Spicy & Creamy: The Ultimate Jalapeño Chicken Havarti Mac and Cheese Recipe
Thank you Castello Cheese for sponsoring this post. Elevate your comfort food experience with this delicious recipe featuring your favorite Castello Cheese products today!
Jalapeño Chicken Havarti Mac and Cheese is a phenomenal step up from the classic, beloved dish. The result is a luxuriously creamy, intensely cheesy homemade mac and cheese, perfectly balanced with a gentle kick of spice from fresh jalapeños and tender chicken. This elevated version offers unparalleled flavor and texture, making it SO much better than any boxed variety you’ve ever tried. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful gathering, this recipe serves 6 generously.
Macaroni and cheese holds a special place in many hearts, including my husband’s. He has an almost insatiable love for it, capable of enjoying mac and cheese for every meal without ever tiring of its comforting embrace. And honestly, who can blame him? There’s an undeniable allure to a warm, gooey bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s the quintessential comfort food that transcends generations and occasions.
For me, mac and cheese instantly transports me back to my childhood. I envision those simpler days when my mom would whip up a huge batch, and I’d just melt into the sheer comfort of that rich, cheesy goodness. It wasn’t just food; it was an experience, a warm hug in a bowl that made everything feel right.
I vividly recall my college days, living in a shared house with friends, embarking on my first true kitchen adventures. My grandma, a fantastic cook, had passed down a treasure trove of old cookbooks. One of them contained a mac and cheese recipe that called for a combination of various white cheeses. Having grown up exclusively with yellow cheeses like cheddar, this was a revelation. My culinary world expanded, and I was utterly blown away by these sophisticated new flavors and textures. It was a pivotal moment that sparked a lifelong passion for experimenting with different cheeses in classic dishes.
Elevating Classic Mac and Cheese with Havarti
This particular recipe is my refined, grown-up take on the classic, showcasing one of my absolute favorite cheeses: Havarti. The inclusion of Havarti transforms an already great dish into something truly extraordinary, adding layers of flavor and a silky texture that are simply irresistible. It’s a testament to how a single ingredient can elevate an entire meal.
Why Castello Creamy Havarti is the Secret Ingredient
Specifically, Castello Creamy Havarti is a game-changer here. It’s a wonderfully mild cheese, yet it carries a delightful hint of tanginess and a rich, buttery undertone that truly elevates the entire mac and cheese experience. Its inherent creaminess makes for an incredibly smooth, luxurious sauce that coats every single pasta shell. This unique flavor profile also happens to be a killer pairing for the savory chicken and the subtle heat of the jalapeño, creating a symphony of tastes in every bite. While Castello Creamy Havarti is fantastic on crackers as a creamy, sliceable snack, it also grates beautifully, making it an ideal choice for baked dishes like this one where a smooth, meltable cheese is paramount.
If you’re looking to expand your cheese horizons and haven’t yet explored the world of Castello Cheese, I highly recommend starting with any of their exceptional varieties. Why Castello? Because they make it incredibly easy to choose the perfect cheese for any occasion or palate, thanks to their innovative packaging. With just a glance, you can discern the flavor strength of any Castello cheese, which helps you anticipate the intensity of the taste experience based on its flavor, texture, and aroma. As you can see, Castello Creamy Havarti is positioned as one of their more mild and approachable cheeses. This makes it a fantastic, family-friendly choice, ensuring this Jalapeño Chicken Havarti Mac and Cheese will be a hit with both kids and adults alike, without overwhelming sensitive palates with excessive spice or sharp cheese notes. It’s simply creamy, dreamy perfection.
Other Delightful Pasta Recipes to Explore
Seeking more comforting pasta dishes? Look no further! Here are some other delectable recipes to add to your rotation:
- Creamy Sausage Kale Rigatoni Pasta
- Instant Pot Bolognese
- Pulled Pork Spaetzle Mac and Cheese
Crafting Your Havarti Mac and Cheese: Step by Step
Perfecting the Pasta
The foundation of any great mac and cheese is perfectly cooked pasta. Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta shells – or any small, sturdy pasta shape like elbow macaroni or cavatappi that can hold plenty of sauce – and cook them until they are just shy of al dente. This usually takes about 8 minutes, but always refer to your pasta packaging for precise cooking times. The goal is to leave them with a slight bite, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water if you wish for thinning the sauce later, although it’s often not necessary for this recipe. Return the empty pot to the stove; we’ll use it for the sauce, minimizing cleanup!
Sautéing the Aromatics
While your pasta is bubbling away, get a head start on building the flavor base. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the diced jalapeños and onion along with the salt and black pepper. Sauté these vibrant vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes until the onions start to soften and become translucent, and the jalapeños release their aromatic scent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell sweet, not bitter. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set the sautéed vegetables aside. This aromatic mixture will infuse the mac and cheese with a wonderful depth of flavor.
The Velvety Cheese Sauce
Now for the heart of the dish: the rich and creamy cheese sauce. Using the same pot you cooked the pasta in (yay for fewer dishes!), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, whisk in the all-purpose flour. This combination creates a roux, the thickening agent for our sauce. Cook the roux, whisking continuously, for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown and smells slightly nutty. This step is crucial for eliminating the raw flour taste. Next, slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, until the sauce begins to thicken to a luxurious, pourable consistency. Reduce the heat to low, then gradually add three-quarters of your grated Castello Creamy Havarti, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. The Havarti will create an incredibly silky and flavorful cheese sauce. Once the cheese sauce is velvety and thick, stir in the sautéed jalapeño and onion mixture, the cooked pasta, and the shredded chicken. Ensure everything is thoroughly combined, with every shell coated in that glorious sauce.
Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection
Now for the grand finale before baking! Carefully transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a casserole dish (a 2 to 3-quart dish works perfectly for this recipe). Spread it out evenly, ensuring every part gets that delicious cheesy coating. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining grated Castello Creamy Havarti over the top. This final layer of cheese will melt and brown, creating a beautiful, irresistible crust. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is gorgeously golden brown and the inside is piping hot and bubbling enthusiastically around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible! Once baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making for easier, cleaner servings. This dish is best enjoyed right away, while still warm and wonderfully gooey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Spicy is this Jalapeño Havarti Mac and Cheese?
You’ll be pleased to know that this mac and cheese isn’t overtly spicy at all! By removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, we achieve a beautiful balance where you truly taste the fresh, vibrant flavor of the pepper rather than its intense heat. This means even those who typically shy away from spicy foods will absolutely adore this dish. It adds a delicious layer of complexity without overwhelming the palate.
However, if you’re a fan of heat and want to kick things up a notch, you absolutely can! To amp up the spice, simply leave some or all of the seeds and membranes in the jalapeños before dicing them. I recommend starting by leaving the seeds in just one of the jalapeños. Taste as you go, and only add more if you’re truly prepared to light your mouth on fire! Remember, you can always add more heat, but it’s much harder to take it away.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
While mac and cheese is generally best enjoyed fresh from the oven, as preparing it too far in advance can sometimes lead to the sauce breaking or becoming greasy, there are ways to prep components. I typically don’t recommend fully assembling and baking mac and cheese too far ahead of time if you want to guarantee that perfect, creamy texture.
However, if you absolutely need to get a head start, you can assemble the entire dish up to 2 days in advance, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it into the oven. Keep in mind that because the dish will be cold, you will likely need to add an extra 10-15 minutes (or more) to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely and achieves that golden, bubbly crust. You might also want to have a splash of milk warmed up and ready to stir in before baking if the sauce looks a little too thick or stiff from the refrigeration.
Is It Possible to Double the Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and scales up beautifully, making it a fantastic option for parties, potlucks, or simply feeding a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a larger casserole dish (or two) to accommodate the increased volume and adjust your cooking times accordingly. A larger quantity might require a slightly longer baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly. This dish is always a crowd-pleaser, so don’t hesitate to double it for your next gathering!
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 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. Cook diced jalapeños, onion, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes, until vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
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4. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot you used for the pasta. Once melted and foaming, whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, cooking until it thickens slightly to form a smooth sauce.
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5. Stir in 3/4 of the grated Castello Creamy Havarti until completely melted and the sauce is thick and smooth. Add the reserved jalapeño-onion mixture, shredded chicken, and cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine thoroughly.
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6. Pour the entire mixture into a 2 to 3-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top generously with the remaining shredded Havarti cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is beautifully browned and the mac and cheese is hot and bubbling vigorously.
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7. Remove from the oven, let stand for a few minutes, and serve immediately to enjoy its creamy perfection.