I have been married to a wonderful Christian man since 1976. The Lord has blessed us with two daughters and two sons. I consider each day the Lord gives me on the earth yet another chance to serve Him.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Loaded Pasta Casserole

This pasta casserole is pretty amazing.   You can add or delete whatever meats you want.  This is a little like a cordon bleu casserole.  You can substitute the bleu cheese crumbles for swiss cheese or feta cheese if you prefer.



LOADED PASTA CASSSEROLE
(serves 4)

Ingredients
*1 (4 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
*6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
*4 slices deli ham, chopped (I use black forest ham)
*8 ounces rigatoni, cooked for about 10 minutes and drained
*1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
*4 tablespoon butter
*4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
*1 teaspoon chicken granules
*1 1/2 cups whole milk
*1/2 cup chicken stock
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~Spray an 8x8 casserole pan with a cooking spray.
~Place cooked rigatoni in prepared pan.
~Place chicken, ham & bacon over noodles.
~Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
~Whisk in flour and chicken granules until roux is well blended.
~Continue cooking for about another 3-5 minutes or until it becomes a light brown, stirring often.
~Increase heat to medium and whisk in milk and chicken stock.
~Stir until smooth.
~Cook until thickened, stirring often.
~Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper & nutmeg.
~Pour over noodle mixture.
~Bake covered  for 20-30 minutes.


Variation:

`Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons  butter,   1 1/2  tablespoon flour and 1/8 cup bread crumbs in a bowl.   Sprinkle over casserole.  Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
`add 1 cup chopped broccoli before pouring white sauce over casserole.

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