More Winning Recipes
About
It's not easy being a superstar... unless you're Dad's Famous Mac. Then it's actually a breeze that takes half an hour or less. Dad's Famous Mac is the tender pasta and the creamy cheese sauce you expect, but with a touch of heat from some pepper jack and jalapeños. Bacon bits add a meaty crunch to the dish, making this the most exciting mac and cheese ever. Oh, and Dad uses potato chips instead of breadcrumbs for the topping. As he puts it very simply, "you're welcome."
Recommended Articles
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup kettle-cooked potato chips, crushed, can substitute panko breadcrumbs
- scallions, optional, to taste, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 -In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the pasta to al dente, according to the package directions.
Step 2 -Drain the pasta.
Step 3 -Preheat the oven on the broiler setting.
Step 4 -In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or another ovenproof skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 5 -Add the flour and stir until blended and lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the flour-butter mixture burn.
Step 6 -Gradually add the heavy cream, the milk, the Cajun seasoning, the salt, and the pepper, while whisking.
Step 7 -Bring the cream mixture to a boil, while stirring constantly.
Step 8 -Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 9 -Cook, while stirring, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 10 -Add the cheese and stir until melted.
Step 11 -Add the pasta, the chicken, the bacon, and the jalapeños and stir to combine.
Step 12 -Cook the pasta mixture, while stirring, until heated through.
Step 13 -Sprinkle the chips over the top of the pasta mixture.
Step 14 -Broil the pasta mixture about 3-4 inches from the heat until the chip topping is browned, about 30 seconds.
Step 15 -Top with the scallions and serve.

Grocery Prices Are Out of Control — These Tricks Will Help
Sponsored

Do You Know These 9 Sam's Club Hacks?
By: Jennifer A.

The Dumb Money Mistake You’re Probably Still Making
Sponsored

14 Easter Recipes
By: Rosa L.

20-Minute Fish
Main Courses

15 Sheet Cake Recipes
By: Jennifer A.

The-8th-Hole Mac
Side Dishes

13 Sheet-Pan Recipes
By: Rosa L.

Grandma's Dream Pastina
Main Courses

9x13 Dinner Recipes
By: Rosa L.

Squash & Rice Casserole
Side Dishes

15 Spring Veggie Recipes
By: Jennifer A.

Load Up Those Pork Chops
Main Courses

15 Retro Recipes
By: Jennifer A.

Easy Korean Beef Bowls
Main Courses

12 Mother's Day Treats
By: Rosa L.

Now That's Chicken Spaghetti
Main Courses

12 Mother's Day Dishes
By: Jennifer A.

Full House Brats
Main Courses

12 St. Pat's Day Recipes
By: Jennifer A.

Tanya's Tomato Bisque
Soups & Salads

15 Spring Recipes
By: Rosa L.

Greek Rice Pudding
Desserts

Taste the World in 10 Dishes
By: Robert W.

Trending Pasta
Main Courses

10 Valentine's Day Treats
By: Jennifer A.

Pan-Seared Filets
Main Courses

8 Super Bowl® Drink Recipes
By: Robert W.