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Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac

22 reviews
Contest Ribbon Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Nov. 21, 2023
I've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, chicken, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate! I use rotisserie chicken and precooked bacon when I'm pressed for time. —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon
Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac
Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups uncooked cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup crushed kettle-cooked potato chips or panko bread crumbs

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain. Preheat broiler.
  2. In a 10-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes (do not burn). Gradually whisk in cream, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted. Add pasta, chicken, bacon and jalapeno; cook and stir until heated through. Sprinkle chips over top.
  3. Broil 3-4 inches from heat until chips are browned, about 30 seconds.

Test Kitchen tips
  • If your family likes spicy foods, add more Cajun seasoning or jalapeno pepper.
  • Cavatappi is a tube-shaped pasta in the shape of a corkscrew.

    • Nutrition Facts

    1 cup: 673 calories, 50g fat (28g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.