MACARONI & CHEESE WITH BROCCOLI & CHICKEN

When the hubby AND kids eat a new meal without complaint (and some even ask for more), that's when it needs to be put in permanent recipe storage! This recipe is courtesy of the FIXATE cookbook by Autumn Calabrese. 

INGREDIENTS:
-4 oz. dry whole-wheat elbow macaroni or other pasta (3c. Cooked macaroni)
-4 tsp.  organic grass-fed butter (or extra-virgin organic coconut oil )
-2 TBSP  unbleached whole wheat flour 
- 1 1/2 c. unsweetened almond milk 
- 1 1/4 c.  freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese 
- 3c.  Cooked chopped chicken breast, boneless, skinless 
- 6c. Chopped broccoli florettes, steamed
- 1 tsp sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. (Do not use salt or oil if suggested in directions.) Set aside.

2. Melt butter in large sauce pan over medium heat 

3. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, or until brown. Don't let it burn!

4. Slowly whisk in almond milk; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until mixture thickens and there are no lumps.

5.  Reduce heat to low. Add cheese; cook, whisking constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, or until melted. 

6.  Add chicken, noodles, broccoli, salt and pepper; cook, stirring constantly for one minute or until heated through.

7. Serve immediately! 

SERVES 8 (1.5 c each serving)
PREP TIME: 20 min
COOKING TIME: 17 min

CONTAINER EQUIVALENTS (per serving)
Green: 1, Yellow: 1, Red: 1/2, Blue: 1/2

TIP:

Use quinoa pasta and gluten-free flour if you’re following

a gluten-free lifestyle.

0. VARIATIONS:
   
   • Asparagus, green beans, or brussels sprouts can be substituted for broccoli.
     
   • A combination of cheeses like cheddar and Gouda, cheddar and Monterey jack, and cheddar and Asiago can be substituted for sharp cheddar.
     
     
     NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving): Calories: 250
     Total Fat: 10 g Saturated Fat: 5 g Cholesterol: 68 mg Sodium: 491 mg Carbohydrates: 15 g Fiber: 2 g Sugars: 0 g Protein: 26 g