It’s not easy being a superstar… unless you’re Dad’s Famous Mac. Then it’s actually a breeze that takes half an hour or less. Dad’s Famous Mac is the tender pasta and the creamy cheese sauce you expect, but with a touch of heat from some pepper jack and jalapeños. Bacon bits add a meaty crunch to the dish, making this the most exciting mac and cheese ever. Oh, and Dad uses potato chips instead of breadcrumbs for the topping. As he puts it very simply, “you’re welcome.”
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup kettle-cooked potato chips, crushed, can substitute panko breadcrumbs
- scallions, optional, to taste, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 –In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the pasta to al dente, according to the package directions.
Step 2 –Drain the pasta.
Step 3 –Preheat the oven on the broiler setting.
Step 4 –In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or another ovenproof skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 5 –Add the flour and stir until blended and lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the flour-butter mixture burn.
Step 6 –Gradually add the heavy cream, the milk, the Cajun seasoning, the salt, and the pepper, while whisking.
Step 7 –Bring the cream mixture to a boil, while stirring constantly.
Step 8 –Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 9 –Cook, while stirring, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 10 –Add the cheese and stir until melted.
Step 11 –Add the pasta, the chicken, the bacon, and the jalapeños and stir to combine.
Step 12 –Cook the pasta mixture, while stirring, until heated through.
Step 13 –Sprinkle the chips over the top of the pasta mixture.
Step 14 –Broil the pasta mixture about 3-4 inches from the heat until the chip topping is browned, about 30 seconds.
Step 15 –Top with the scallions and serve.
