MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH CHICKEN BROTH RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter.
• In a large pot, combine equal parts water and chicken broth just enough to cook your macaroni in. Bring to a boil on the stovetop. Add macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually about 7-8 minutes). When macaroni is done, drain and set aside in a large pot or bowl.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Continuing to whisk, add in 1 cup chicken broth, half-and-half, and milk; continue whisking until fully combined. The mixture should steam but not boil, so adjust your heat accordingly. Add in the cream cheese and stir until completely melted.
• Remove pot from heat and add in cheese, stirring until smooth. Pour cheese mixture over cooked macaroni, add black pepper and stir to combine.
• Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased 9x9-inch pan. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until slightly jiggly, making sure not to overcook. Once finished baking, allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving, as the macaroni will set as it cools.

Steps:

• Bring 2 quarts of water to boil in large soup kettle. Add salt and pasta. Using package directions as a guide, cook until al dente. Drain. To prevent sticking, drain and immediately pour onto a large lipped baking sheet and let cool while preparing sauce.
• Meanwhile, microwave the milk and chicken broth in a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup or bowl until hot and steamy (not boiling). Melt butter in the empty pasta pot; whisk in flour, then hot milk mixture. Continue to whisk until thick and bubbly, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in mustard, Parmesan and pepper. Turn off heat, stir in cheddar until melted.
• Add drained pasta (and optional flavoring ingredients, see notes) to sauce, and stir until everything is well combined over low heat. Stir to heat through, and thin with a little water if the sauce is too thick. Serve hot.