Chicken, Bacon Artichoke Heart Macaroni and Cheese

Submitted by Doll_Face

"A pizza flavor turned to a mac n' cheese"

 

• Ready In: 24mins
• Ingredients: 21
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 cups dry campanelle noodles
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 -8 garlic cloves
• 1 (8 ounce) can artichoke hearts
• 0.5 (16 ounce) package spinach
• 1⁄2 bell pepper
• 1 (16 ounce) package bacon bits
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1⁄2 cup monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 1⁄2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

directions

1. Boil campanelle noodles until tender; drain and set aside.
2. Cook chicken until white and cooked through completely.
3. Preheat oven to 350.
4. In a medium sauce pan, melt butter on medium heat.
5. Add flour one tablespoon at a time, and whisking between each addition.
6. Whisk in seasonings, and cook for a couple of minutes, whisking constantly, so as not to burn.
7. Add milk, half a cup at a time, whisking together between each addition. Allow to thicken (and keep on slowly whisking).
8. Add all cheese except parmesan cheese (for topping) and stir until completely incorporated.
9. Add Spinach, Artichoke hearts, chicken and ¾ of bacon bits and make sure all is stirred inches.
10. Add cheese sauce to macaroni noodles, then put everything into a baking dish.
11. Sprinkle parmesan and the remaining bacon bits on top.
12. Bake for 25 minutes, then broil for an additional couple of minutes to crisp up the top (watch it so the top doesn't burn).