Chipotle Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 chipotle chiles in adobo, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (set aside)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained or diced tomatoes with jalapenos
• 2 cups macaroni, cooked al dente (will yield 4 cups cooked)
• 2 cups reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup 2% low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• cooking spray
• 3 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/8 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, lightly sprinkle on top (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   Boil 2 cups macaroni according to package (do not overcook), drain.

3. 3

   Reserve 1 adobo sauce and set aside.

4. 4

   Finely chop 2 chipotle peppers, onions and green peppers.

5. 5

   Melt butter in heavy pot over med-high heat, toss chopped ingredients and stir.

6. 6

   Cook until onion is tender, then sprinkle with 2 T of flour.

7. 7

   Allow to cook for about 30 SECONDS then reduce to medium.

8. 8

   Stir in the can of diced tomatoes w/chilies-- aka Rotel (I used tomatoes with jalapenos instead).

9. 9

   Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens.

10. 10

    Now add the reserved adobo, cottage cheese, milk, cheddar, parmesan, macaroni and egg, stir well and pour mixture into casserole dish.

11. 11

    Melt tablespoon of butter and add breadcrumbs, stir until breadcrumbs are moist, sprinkle mixture over pasta.

12. 12

    You can also lightly sprinkle some more shredded cheddar over it before baking for 30 minutes until browned.