Tuscan Macaroni and Cheese Bake

Tuscan Macaroni and Cheese Bake is a pasta recipe built around precooked smoked chicken, uncooked elbow macaroni and cream cheese. Plan on 6 servings and about 80 minutes.

• Yield 6 servings
• Ready in 80 minutes
• Prep 20 minutes
• Cook 60 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces precooked smoked chicken
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
• 1 cup sliced olives
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 medium tomato (sliced thinly)
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions but undercook the pasta by 1-2 minutes since it will continue baking in the oven.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cooked pasta, cream cheese, olives, and mozzarella cheese. In a small bowl, mix flour and spices together.
3. In a medium saucepan melt the butter, then whisk in flour and spices. Allow the flour/butter mixture to cook without browning for about 30 seconds while whisking/stirring. Slowly add the milk and stir until slightly thickened, this may take about 5-6 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan. When slightly thickened, pour the milk mixture over pasta mixture and mix well.
4. Pour into an 11X7-inch (or circular) lightly greased casserole dish. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove cover and add tomato slices on top then sprinkle parmesan cheese over and bake uncovered for 10 minutes more. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.