This zesty dish brings together the creaminess of traditional mac and cheese with the smoky, spicy kick of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. It’s comfort food with an exciting twist, perfect for those who crave a little heat in their meals.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-ounce) can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 4 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 2 uncooked)
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup 1% low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
- ¼ cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Cooking spray
- 3 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Chipotles: From the can of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, remove 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce and set it aside. Finely chop 2 chipotle chiles from the can to measure approximately 1 tablespoon. Save the remaining chiles and adobo sauce for another culinary adventure.
- Sauté Veggies: In a Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chiles, onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté this aromatic mixture for about 4 minutes or until the onion becomes tender, stirring frequently.
- Add Flour and Tomatoes: Sprinkle the mixture with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced tomatoes and green chiles. Cook for approximately 3 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the reserved 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce, your cooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, and lightly beaten egg to the Dutch oven. Stir this flavorful mixture until it’s well combined.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle the top with dry breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and has a golden-brown crust.
- Serve Hot: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 324
- Fat: 8.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4.6g
- Protein: 34.2g
- Carbohydrates: 39.6g
- Fiber: 2g
Remember that these nutritional values are estimates and might differ depending on various factors, including ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- Adjust the level of spice to your preference by adding more or fewer chipotle chiles.
- Don’t hesitate to customize your cheese blend with your favorite varieties for a unique twist on the classic.