Spicy Cajun Mac and Cheese

I have a confession.

Very, and I mean veeery rarely, do I ever follow a recipe.

Gasp. I know.

I got it from my mom to be quite honest. I've said it before that she could go to the pantry at any given time and whip up something amazing. She has talent, and I like to think she passed a little of it on to me! ;)

Anyways, moral of the story, this is how I came up with this delicious bowl of scrumptiousness. It's spicy, and cheesy and FILLED with veggies! What's not to love!?

 

1/2 box of pasta (I used penne)

1 C chicken ( I used leftover)

3 large carrots, cut into matchsticks

1 large red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks

1/2 a yellow onion sliced thinly

1 cup of frozen peas

6 TBS of butter

2 T flour

1 t Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 C Milk (+ a little more at the end)

1 TB Franks Hot Sauce

1 C Mozzarella Cheese

 

Cook pasta according to package. And chicken if you aren't using pre-cooked.

In a large skillet, melt 1 TB of the butter, and the add carrots, bell pepper, and onion. Sauté until the veggies are tender. Once veggies are tender, add the rest of the butter, and melt it down. Then sprinkle in the flour and mix well, cook for 1-2 minutes. Add milk and stir until sauce is smooth. Add hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, mix well. Add peas  and allow to heat through. Add cheese at the very end, and allow it to melt, stirring well.

Serve with breadsticks.