Grilled Chicken Mac & Cheese

By Addie

A cream based sauce takes this chicken, pasta, and cheese casserole to a flavorful new level. Add a side salad and you have a gourmet meal in less than an hour.

Ingredients

• 4 (3-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cut in 1 inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 4 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 12 ounces heavy cream
• 4 cups cooked, drained and cooled pasta
• 5 ounces shredded mixed cheeses (cheddar, gruyere, and fontina)
• 1 ounce grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Preparation

Step 1

Start a charcoal or wood fire or preheat a gas grill or broiler, the fire should be quite hot and the rack about 3 to 4 inches from the heat source. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Grill 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Set aside.


In a preheated heavy bottomed medium saute pan, cook bacon pieces over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, drain on paper towels and set aside. Return pan to medium heat and add olive oil and garlic. Cook garlic approx 1 minute, then add tomato sauce, heavy cream, pasta, cheeses and bring to a boil. Add chicken, bacon and butter and stir until all well incorporated adding a little extra cream if necessary.