Spicy, Smoky Chipotle Mac & Cheese {w/ recipes}

hi guys! happy Friday! If you have not yet entered the GIVEAWAY, you can do so here. All you need to do is comment with your entry and I will be picking a winner next Wednesday.

So, today is a very special day. Today, is my sweet husband's birthday. We are celebrating with dinner tonight at the Melting Pot. I've never been before, but I've heard that it's amazing. I'm ready to chow down and have my first real fondue experience. Mmmm... cheesy!

Speaking of cheese, this spicy chipotle mac & cheese is pretty amazing. It's got a kick, that's for sure. It's a really simple recipe, and surprising healthy. At least, it's healthy for macaroni and cheese. In fact the original recipe came from Cooking Light. I adjusted the recipe quite a bit though, given my opposition to bell peppers and onions. But the end result is pretty tasty if I can say so myself. It's also husband approved.

Spicy, Smoky Chipotle Mac & Cheese {serves 4}

adapted from Cooking Light

1 (7-ounce) can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce

1 T butter

1 garlic clove, minced

2 T all-purpose flour

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes

4 c hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)

2 c (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

1 c 1% low-fat cottage cheese

1 c 2% reduced-fat milk

1/4 c (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3 T dry breadcrumbs

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Remove 2 chipotle chiles from can and finely chop to measure 1 tablespoon (or more as desired). Reserve 1 teaspoon of sauce to be added later.  Store remaining chiles and adobo sauce for another use.

3. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped chiles and garlic, cooking until garlic is soft and fragrant. 

4. Sprinkle with flour and whisk to combine. Reduce heat to medium and add tomatoes.

5. In order, add milk, cottage cheese, reserved adobo sauce, and cheddar cheese, stirring to combine. Add beaten egg, parmesan cheese, and lastly cooked pasta.

6. Spoon pasta mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray, or individual cooking dishes (like shown above). Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

7. Enjoy!