Grown Up Mac and Cheese

Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens Skillet Meals cookbook (affiliate link).

Listen...I’ve loved Mac & cheese since I was a toddler, and I know I’m not alone. This recipe is absolutely delicious and the added protein & veggies help me feel like more of an “adult” while eating it!

INGREDIENTS

• Elbow macaroni noodles 6 0z

• 1 cup frozen grilled chicken chunks

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 6 oz semisoft cheese with garlic and herbs

• 1 2/3 cup milk

• 1 tbsp all purpose flour

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1 cup quarted diced tomatoes

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a pot of salted water to boiling and add in the macaroni noodles. Allow these to cook while you make the rest of the dish.

2. Heat drizzle of olive oil in medium high skillet and add diced onions and chicken chunks. Cook for 6-7 minutes, or until chicken is heated through.

3. Remove pan from heat and add semisoft cheese and stir until it has melted.

4. Combine milk & flour in a bowl. Return skillet to medium heat and add the milk/flour mixture to skillet. Cook until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.

5. Remove skillet from heat, add in cheddar cheese. (NOTE: If you don’t have semi-soft cheese, add in an extra cup of cheddar cheese here.)

6. Stir in spinach and let the heat from the mixture wilt the spinach.

7. Add cooked, drained noodles to skillet.

8. Serve in bowls and top with cherry tomatoes!

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