Recipe of the Month

Chicken Cordon Bleu Mac & Cheese

Recipe provided by Lisa C.. "Chicken Cordon Bleu and Mac & Cheese are two of my favorites, why not add them together! Simple recipe and great way to use up leftover ham. I added extra cheese!"

Ingredients

• 1 large chicken breast cut into small pieces then seasoned with salt & pepper
• 1/2lb smoked deli ham, sliced 1/2″ thick and cubed
• 1ooz short cut pasta – penne, shells, rotini, etc.
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk, divided
• 1 cup chicken broth
• salt & pepper
• 1 cup (4oz) gruyere cheese, shredded & divided
• 1 cup (4oz) swiss cheese, shredded & divided

Directions

1. Saute seasoned chicken pieces in a non-stick sprayed skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Add ham then cook for 1-2 more minutes, or until heated through. Cover skillet with foil then set aside. Add pasta to a large pot of salted, boiling water then cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Whisk flour and 1/2 cup milk together in a small dish then add to a large skillet over medium heat. Slowly add remaining milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper then switch to a wooden spoon and cook, stirring near constantly, until the mixture is thick and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat then remove skillet from hot burner.
3. Add 3/4 cup of each cheese into the skillet then stir until smooth. Add cooked chicken, ham, and pasta then stir to combine. Pour into a non-stick sprayed 8x8 baking dish then top with remaining cheese and broil until golden brown.

For more information, view this recipe here: http://iowagirleats.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6037365