Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli and Chicken

This amazing new cookbook came out called Fixate, all based around the 21 day fix and 21 day fix extreme container system. I absolutely love Mac and Cheese, growing up, it was my absolute favorite meal. I literally could have it all the time. As I was flipping through the cookbook and seeing what I wanted to try, this was the first thing that I wanted to make. And let me just rave for a minute on how amazingly delicious it is. OHHH and did I mention....healthy too. Who would have thought that Macaroni and Cheese would taste so good and be so healthy?!?! I sure didn't. I hope that you can enjoy this recipe as much as I did. I can't wait to make it again. 

Serves: 8 (2 cups each). Prep Time: 20 mins. Cooking Time: 17 mins

Fix Container Equivalents: 1/2 Green, 1/2 Yellow, 1/2 Red, 1 Blue, 1/2 tsp

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. dry whole wheat macaroni (or pasta)
• 4 tsp organic grass-fed butter (or extra-virgin organic coconut oil)
• 2 tbsp. unbleached whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 1/4 cups freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cups cooked chopped chicken breast, boneless, skinless
• 4 cups chopped broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions: 

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Set aside
2. Melt butter in large sauce pan over medium heat
3. Add flour; cook; whisking constantly for 1 minute, or until brown (don't let it burn)
4. Slowly whisk in almond milk; cook, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture thickens and there are no lumps.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese; cook; whisking constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until melted
6. Add chicken, broccoli, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute, or until heated through
7. Serve immediately 

Variations:

• Asparagus, green beans, or brussel sprouts can be substituted for broccoli
• A combination of cheeses like cheddar and Gouda, cheddar and monterey jack, and cheddar and asiago can be substituted for sharp cheddar.