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Spooky Green Chili Mac and Cheese – Easy One-Pot Comfort

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This Spooky Green Chili Mac and Cheese is a one-pot wonder that comes together in about 30 minutes. The green chiles add a bright, slightly smoky acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a creamy, tangy, and unforgettable comfort dish perfect for Halloween or any fall night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (or any short pasta like cavatappi or shells)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chiles, mild or medium heat
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional topping)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine 4 cups broth, 1 cup milk, and 1 pound elbow macaroni. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
  2. Once boiling, stir in both cans of diced green chiles (undrained). Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).
  3. Push pasta to one side of the pot and add 4 tablespoons butter to the empty space. Let melt, then sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour over the butter. Stir to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir the roux into the pasta mixture until evenly coated. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted. Stir in ½ cup sour cream.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if needed.
  7. Optional crispy topping: Preheat broiler. Mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan. Transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle topping evenly, and broil 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Let mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta; start checking at 8 minutes. Grate your own cheese for best melting. Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent seizing. For more texture, reserve half a can of green chiles and stir in at the end. Let mac and cheese rest 5 minutes before serving to thicken sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: green chili mac and cheese, one-pot mac and cheese, Halloween mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/spooky-green-chili-mac-and-cheese-easy-one-pot-comfort/