This is why low-carb/keto style diets could never be a lifestyle for me. I NEED pasta in my life. Besides, eating lots of pasta probably isn’t that bad for you. Unless you cover it in creamy sauces, bacon, cheese, breadcrumbs etc etc. I’m thinking the pasta endorphins probably make up for that badness though. Yep. I’m going with that. Steps for making chicken and bacon mac and cheese: So I’ve got a feeling this is going to be a pretty short post today. Lewis finishes school for the summer tomorrow (Gracey finished last week), and we’ve got lots of days out planned, so we’ve been working hard to try to get everything done that we possibly can before life gets crazy. Final steps for making chicken and bacon mac and cheese: We were up at 4am this morning, shooting two recipe videos before Lewis even went to school. We’ve done a 5am video shoot before now, but 4am is a new record. 8 hours and 45 minutes later, and I’m reading for bed. At lunchtime. Bed or pasta. Either would make me happy right now.
Can I make it gluten free?
Yes! Use gluten free macaroni and gluten free breadcrumbs and you’re good to go. Gluten free pasta is pretty good these days, so it’ll still taste great.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, make it up until the point where you’ve just sprinkled on the breadcrumbs and cheese. Then cool, cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Heat in the oven at 190C/375F for about 25 minutes until hot througout. You may need to cover with foil for the last 5-10 minutes if it starts browning too much. Note: the Mac and Cheese will be a little less saucy if you make it ahead, as the pasta will absorb more of the liquid. You can add an extra 120ml (half cup) of stock when cooking the pasta to ensure it’s still saucy.
Will it freeze?
Yes, make up until the point where you’ve just sprinkled on the breadcrumbs and cheese. Then cool, cover and freeze. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and heat in the oven at 190C/375F for about 25 minutes until hot throughout. You may need to cover with foil for the last 5-10 minutes if it starts browning too much. As per the instructions above, it’s a good idea to add an extra 120ml (half cup) of stock when cooking the pasta to ensure it’s still saucy (as the pasta will absorb more liquid when than if it’s eaten right away).
Other flavour ideas:
Replace the bacon with sliced jalapenos for a spicy version. Replace the chicken and bacon with cooked chorizo and peppers for a Mexican take. Replace the meat with lightly fried mushrooms and leeks for a veggie version. Sprinkle on crushed nachos for the last minute of cooking for extra flavour.
I first made this recipe for DIYs.com
The Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe:
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