Today on the blog I am sharing a delicious comfort-food recipe that sneaks some vegetables into your kids diet. This chicken and broccoli mac and cheese is decadently cheesy and is a great braces-friendly weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound macaroni, cooked to al dente
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1 cup half & half
• 2 cups whole milk
• salt & pepper
• 3 cups white cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• 2 cups steamed broccoli, roughly chopped
• 2 cups chicken breast, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup asiago cheese, for topping (optional)

Directions

1. preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. cook pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente (use package time).
3. in a separate pot over medium heat add the butter & flour. stir constantly & cook until a lump-free roux forms, about 2 minutes.
4. add the shallots, garlic & dijon. cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. add the half & half, whole milk & bay leaf. simmer for ten minutes.
6. remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese until it is fully melted.
7. fold in macaroni, broccoli & chicken.
8. pour into desired baking dish and sprinkle with additional cheese (about 1 cup).
9. bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

xx,

A Hungry McFarland Orthodontics Staffer

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I found this recipe here: http://www.heymodestmarce.com/modest-marce/t8ph4x2aae4dmypm6dyz4yy8xwwcjp