Blue Cheese Chicken Mac-n-Cheese

blue cheese n. A semisoft cheese made of cow's milk and having a greenish-blue mold and strong flavor. 

Also called bleu cheese.

Blue Cheese Chicken Mac-n-Cheese 

Blue Cheese Chicken Mac-n-Cheese 

For a great side dish, just omit the chicken!

1 (8-ounce) package macaroni noodles

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1¾ cups milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 (4-ounce) package crumbled blue cheese

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 cups shredded, cooked chicken

½ cup panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook noodles according to package directions.

While noodles are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.

Slowly add milk; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens.

Add cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted.

Season cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Gently combine the pasta, shredded chicken and cheese sauce and spoon into baking dish.

Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over top of noodle mixture.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.