Tuscan Chicken Mac & Cheese

 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts pounded to 1-inch thickness (or 4 boneless and skinless chicken thigh fillets)

• Salt and pepper, to season
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smokey)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon oil, divided (use olive or canola oil)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion chopped
• 6 cloves garlic finely diced
• 1/3 cup white wine OPTIONAL (use chicken broth instead if you wish)
• 9 oz (250g) jarred sun dried tomato strips in oil (reserve 2 tablespoons of oil and drain the rest)
• 3 level tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups milk OR light cream* or half and half, divided
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
• 10 ounces (300g) elbow macaroni uncooked (3 cups!)
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup grated cheese Cheddar or Gruyere
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley and 2 teaspoons of the oil. Heat the remaining oil in a large (30cm or 12-inch) pot or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Transfer chicken to a warm plate, tent with foil and set aside.
• To the same pan, add the butter and fry the onion and garlic until the onion becomes transparent, stirring occasionally (about 2 minutes). Pour in the white wine and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, or until beginning to reduce down.
• Add the sun dried tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of the sun dried tomato oil from the jar and cook for 1-2 minutes to release as much flavour as possible.
• Stir the flour into the pot and allow to cook for a further minute. Then, add the broth, 2 1/2 cups of milks (or cream/half and half), herbs, salt and pepper, and bring to a very low simmer (lower the heat if you need to). 
• Add the dry macaroni and stir occasionally as it comes to a simmer. Reduce heat down to medium low and stir regularly while it cooks (for about 9 - 10 minutes), or until the sauce thickens and the macaroni is just cooked (al dente: tender but still firm). Add the spinach and stir through until wilted. 
• Take the pot off the stove and stir all of the cheese in quickly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce it too thick, add the remaining 1/2 cup milk (or cream) in 1/4 cup increments, until reaching desired thickness. Keep in mind the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. 
• Slice the chicken into strips and stir through the pasta (pour in any juices left from the chicken). Sprinkle with parsley, and stir through. Serve immediately!