Muna’s Kitchen Mac n Cheese with Sweet and Spicy Wings

This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Mac n Cheese (Serves 5)

• 1 lb cavatappi pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth (for cooking pasta)
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

For the Sweet and Spicy Wings

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Grocery List

• Cavatappi pasta
• Chicken broth
• Gruyère cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Chicken wings
• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar

Cooking Guide

Cooking Time:

Total time: Approximately 1 hour
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 45 minutes

Instructions

For the Mac n Cheese:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden.
3. Add Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream while whisking continuously until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Incorporate Cheeses: Add the Gruyère and cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all pasta evenly.
6. Optional Baking Step: If desired, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until golden.

For the Sweet and Spicy Wings:

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate Wings: Place chicken wings in a large bowl or zip-lock bag and pour marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
3. Bake Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 30 minutes or until crispy and cooked through, flipping halfway.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Mac n Cheese:

• Calories: ~600 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g

Sweet and Spicy Wings:

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 20g

Tips & Notes:

• For extra flavor in your Mac n Cheese, consider adding cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Adjust the level of spiciness in your wings by varying the amount of hot sauce used.
• Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.

Enjoy exclusive access to delicious recipes like this one, cooking tips, and more culinary adventures that will tantalize your taste buds! Indulge in this delightful combination of creamy Mac n Cheese paired with sweet and spicy wings that will surely impress your guests! Happy cooking!