Jalapeño Chicken Havarti Mac and Cheese: A Creamy, Spicy Twist on Classic Comfort Food
Thank you Castello Cheese for sponsoring this post. Enjoy this delicious recipe with your favorite Castello Cheese products today!
Jalapeño Chicken Havarti Mac and Cheese is a delightful step up from the beloved classic dish. This recipe delivers a wonderfully creamy, intensely cheesy homemade mac and cheese, brightened with a perfect kick of spice. It’s truly a gourmet experience that far surpasses any boxed alternative. This satisfying meal proudly serves 6.
The Timeless Allure of Mac and Cheese
Few dishes evoke as much pure comfort and nostalgia as a warm, bubbling bowl of mac and cheese. For many, including my own husband who could happily enjoy it for every meal, it’s more than just food – it’s a cherished memory, a taste of home. There’s an undeniable magic in that creamy, cheesy goodness that instantly transports you back to simpler times.
I vividly remember those childhood days when my mom would whip up a generous bowl, and I’d just melt into the sheer comfort of that rich, gooey cheese. It’s a dish that transcends generations, offering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. But as much as we love the classic, there’s always room for a sophisticated twist, an evolution of flavor that keeps things exciting.
Discovering New Cheese Horizons
My journey with mac and cheese evolved significantly during my college years. In my first kitchen, shared with roommates, I stumbled upon a revelation. My grandma had passed down a collection of old cookbooks, and one particular recipe for mac and cheese caught my eye. It called for a blend of white cheeses – a concept completely new to me, having grown up solely with yellow varieties like cheddar.
The experience was transformative. The subtle nuances and complex flavors of these “new” cheeses completely blew my mind, opening up a world of culinary possibilities. It taught me that mac and cheese, while inherently comforting, could also be a canvas for diverse and sophisticated tastes.
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The Star Ingredient: Castello Creamy Havarti
This particular recipe is my grown-up, elevated take on mac and cheese, featuring one of my absolute favorite cheeses: Havarti. Specifically, Castello Creamy Havarti is a game-changer here. Its characteristically mild flavor, coupled with a delightful hint of tanginess, truly elevates the entire mac and cheese experience. It’s not just a cheese; it’s a flavor enhancer that creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
This beautiful Havarti also happens to be a killer flavor pairing for the savory chicken and the subtle heat of the jalapeño. Its inherent creaminess ensures a smooth, luscious sauce that coats every single piece of pasta. While I often enjoy Castello Havarti on crackers, appreciating its perfectly sliceable yet creamy texture, it grates effortlessly, making it ideal for baked dishes like this one.
If you’re looking to broaden your cheese horizons and haven’t yet experienced Castello Cheese, any of their varieties are an excellent starting point. Why, you ask?
Castello makes it incredibly easy to navigate their diverse range of cheeses thanks to their innovative packaging. With just a glance, you can discern the flavor strength of any cheese, helping you understand the intensity of the taste, texture, and aroma you’re about to experience. As you’ll note, Castello Creamy Havarti is categorized as one of their milder cheeses. This characteristic makes it a fantastic choice for this recipe, ensuring it’s a family favorite that both kids and adults will adore without being overwhelmed by strong flavors. Its gentle profile allows the other ingredients, like the chicken and jalapeño, to shine harmoniously.
Other Delightful Pasta Creations
If you’re a pasta lover, you might also enjoy these other delectable recipes from my kitchen: Creamy Sausage Kale Rigatoni Pasta | Instant Pot Bolognese | Pulled Pork Spaetzle Mac and Cheese
Crafting Our Havarti Mac and Cheese
Creating this delicious Havarti mac and cheese is a straightforward process, breaking down into a few simple steps. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
The foundation of any great mac and cheese is perfectly cooked pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta shells and cook them until they are almost al dente. This typically takes about 8 minutes, but always refer to your pasta packaging for the most accurate cooking time. The goal here is to ensure the pasta is still slightly firm, as it will continue to cook in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set it aside. Return the empty pot to the stove – we’ll be reusing it to minimize dishwashing!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables
While your pasta is boiling, turn your attention to the flavorful vegetables. Heat a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced jalapeño and onion along with salt and black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing its pungent aroma to meld with the other ingredients. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set the aromatic mixture aside.
Step 3: Create the Luscious Cheese Sauce
Now for the heart of the dish – the creamy cheese sauce! Use the same pot you cooked the pasta in (saving you cleanup time). Melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foaming, whisk in one tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Continue whisking constantly for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and turn a light golden brown. This creates a roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce. Slowly whisk in one cup of milk, making sure to incorporate it smoothly to avoid any lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat and stir in three-quarters of the grated Castello Creamy Havarti. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes rich, smooth, and wonderfully thick. Finally, fold in the reserved jalapeño and onion mixture, the cooked shredded chicken, and the “almost al dente” pasta shells. Ensure everything is thoroughly coated in that irresistible cheese sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Generously butter a 2 to 3-quart casserole dish. Pour the entire mac and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining grated Castello Creamy Havarti over the top. This final layer of cheese will create a beautiful golden crust when baked.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a gorgeous golden brown, and the inside is hot, bubbly, and incredibly fragrant. Serve this masterpiece right away to enjoy its maximum creaminess and flavor. There’s nothing quite like fresh, hot, homemade mac and cheese straight from the oven!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Spicy is this Havarti Mac and Cheese?
You’ll be pleased to know that the jalapeño in this recipe isn’t overly spicy at all! We achieve a perfect balance by removing the seeds, which are where most of the heat resides. This method ensures you get all the wonderful, fresh flavor of the jalapeño without an overwhelming kick. It means even those who typically shy away from spicy foods will absolutely love this dish.
However, if you’re a heat-seeker and want to amp up the spice level, you certainly can! Simply leave some or all of the seeds in one or two of the jalapeños when dicing. I recommend starting with the seeds from just one jalapeño if you’re experimenting, unless you’re truly aiming to set your taste buds ablaze!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
While it’s generally best to enjoy mac and cheese fresh from the oven for the optimal creamy texture, you can certainly prep it ahead of time with a few considerations. The main concern with making mac and cheese in advance is that the sauce can sometimes “break” or become greasy upon reheating, and the pasta can absorb too much liquid and become mushy.
If you absolutely need to prep ahead, I recommend assembling the entire dish (pasta, sauce, chicken, and jalapeño mixture) in your casserole dish, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come closer to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You will likely need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold. Keep an eye on it to ensure it heats through and develops a bubbly, golden top.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Absolutely! This Jalapeño Chicken Havarti Mac and Cheese recipe is fantastic for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping larger portions. Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish (a 9×13 inch pan should work well). The cooking times for the pasta and vegetables will remain roughly the same, but you might need to add a bit more time for the baking step to ensure it’s heated all the way through and the top is beautifully browned. It’s a guaranteed hit for parties, potlucks, or a big family dinner!
What Are the Best Side Dishes?
This rich and flavorful mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with light, fresh side dishes to balance its creaminess. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is always a great choice, offering a refreshing contrast. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also make excellent accompaniments. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside some crusty bread for dipping in that luscious sauce.
Jalapeño Chicken Havarti Mac and Cheese
Equipment
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Wooden Spoon & Scraper
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Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Sauté Pan
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Covered Stockpot
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French Wire Whisk
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Stoneware Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 2 to 3 jalapeños seeds removed and diced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups uncooked pasta shells
- 1 Tbs. butter
- 1 Tbs. All-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 14 oz about 1 3/4 blocks Castello Creamy Havarti, grated
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Instructions
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1. Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C).
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2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until almost al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and return the empty pot to the burner.
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3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add diced jalapeños, onion, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
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4. Add 1 Tbs. butter to the pot you used for the pasta. Once melted and foaming, whisk in 1 Tbs. flour and cook, whisking constantly, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to cook until it thickens slightly.
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5. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 3/4 of the grated Castello Creamy Havarti until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and thick. Stir in the jalapeño onion mixture, shredded chicken, and cooked pasta.
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6. Pour the mixture into a 2 to 3-quart casserole dish, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbling.
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7. Remove from oven and serve immediately for best results.