Shelly's Recipe

GRILLED CHICKEN AND APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON MAC AND CHEESE

Category: Pasta

4 (3-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cut in 1 inch pieces
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp minced garlic
4 tbsp tomato sauce
12 oz heavy cream
4 cups cooked, drained and cooled pasta
5 oz shredded mixed cheeses (cheddar, gruyere, and fontina)
1 oz grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter

Start a charcoal or wood fire or preheat a gas grill or broiler, the fire should be quite hot and the rack about 3 to 4 inches from the heat source. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Grill 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Set aside.

In a preheated heavy bottomed medium saute pan, cook bacon pieces over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, drain on paper towels and set aside. Return pan to medium heat and add olive oil and garlic. Cook garlic approximately 1 minute, then add tomato sauce, heavy cream, pasta, cheeses and bring to a boil. Add chicken, bacon and butter and stir until all well incorporated adding a little extra cream if necessary. Serves 4