Deluxe Garden Veggie Chicken Mac Cheese Recipes

CHEESY CHICKEN & VEGGIE MAC

Steps:

• In a large pot, cook elbow noodles according to the package directions, and add frozen veggies during the last 5 minutes of cooking. When done cooking, drain noodle and veggie mixture.
• Return noodles and veggies to pot, add chicken and, over medium heat, stir in cheese, milk, butter and spices until creamy and everything is warmed through.
• Dish directly onto your plate and enjoy!
• HOW I COOK MY CHICKEN:
• Depending on how much chicken I have to cook, I use a 2:1 ratio of water to chicken broth.
• I add spices to the water/chicken broth depending on what dish. For example, I use cumin and cayenne for Mexican, and I use Italian seasoning, fresh ground black pepper and a bit of olive oil for Italian dishes. For this dish I just use the chicken broth, a bit of salt and small splash of worsteshire sauce.
• Bring the water/broth/spices mix to a rolling boil. Add chicken breast to pot, bring back to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Turn heat down and simmer for ten minutes. Then take off heat completely and let sit in hot water for 15-20 minutes.
• Take chicken out and let cool until you can handle it.
• Shred or cube the chicken.
• Add to the dish it was intended for!
• NOTE: I should probably note, this works very well for medium sized BONELESS SKINLESS breasts -- if using large or bone in pieces, it will probably take longer. Just check frequently.

VEGGIE MACARONI & CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook macaroni according to package directions, adding broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and celery during the last 6 minutes of cooking. Drain; transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium-high heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in milk and broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes; stir in cheese, mustard, salt and pepper. , Add to macaroni mixture, stirring to coat; sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 15-20 minutes.

JANETTE'S CHEESY VEGGIE MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Spray a 2 quart baking dish with vegetable cooking spray, set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold running water, and return to the pot.
• Meanwhile, heat the wine in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers, squash, onions, and garlic, and 2 teaspoons of salt, and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes, adding a little water if more liquid is needed. Drain the vegetables in a large colander set over a bowl. Add the vegetables to the pasta and set the juices from the vegetables aside.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and mustard and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes. Whisking constantly, slowly pour in the milk and the juices from the vegetables. Add the thyme and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
• Beat the ricotta until smooth and slowly beat in the white sauce. Toss with the macaroni mixture. Transfer to the 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top and lightly spray them with the vegetable cooking spray. Bake until top is golden brown, about 35 minutes. Serve immediately.

DELUXE MACARONI 'N' CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, garlic salt and pepper. Add cheddar cheese; mix well. Add macaroni and stir until coated. , Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.