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Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese Bites

Mac and Cheese Chicken Italian Parmesan Oregano Appetizer Kid Friendly Fusion Italian-American Main Dish Medium Eat: Bon Appétit!

Summary

Macaroni and cheese picks up extra protein and an Italian-American twist in this recipe that incorporates the flavors of chicken Parmesan. You start by making a traditional béchamel-based cheese sauce, then stir in chopped or shredded cooked chicken, tomato sauce, and a bit of fresh or dried oregano. Scoop it into muffin tins and bake. Kids love it, and because it’s already in individual portions, grown-ups don’t have to worry about overindulging.

For more, see our baked mac and cheese recipe with breadcrumbs.

by Kim Laidlaw

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray, for coating the pan
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup dried whole-wheat macaroni or other small pasta shape
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded or chopped cooked chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
  • 1 large ripe tomato, seeded and chopped
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Tomato sauce, for dipping (optional)
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Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
  2. 2Bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil over high heat. Add the salt and pasta, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. 3In the same saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute), then add the flour and whisk until smooth. Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly, until smooth. Continuing to whisk, slowly add the cheeses until smooth. Add the chicken, oregano, and tomato to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Stir in the egg and mix well.
  4. 4Spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared muffin cups, dividing it evenly and filling the cups. Bake the bites until they are crisp and browned around the edges and bubbling, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing (use a small knife to help dislodge them if necessary). Serve with tomato sauce for dipping, if you like.

STORE IT: Refrigerate the bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or seal them in a single layer in a zippered plastic bag and freeze them for up to 3 months.

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