Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup 2% milk
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup crushed kettle-cooked potato chips or panko bread crumbs

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain. Preheat broiler.

In a 10-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat butter over medium heat.

Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes (do not burn).

Gradually whisk in cream, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in cheese until melted. Add pasta, chicken, bacon and jalapeno; cook and stir until heated through.

Sprinkle chips over top.

Broil 3-4 inches from heat until chips are browned, about 30 seconds.