- 6 slices good-quality smoky bacon, such as applewood smoked bacon
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound whole wheat short-cut pasta
- 2 skinless chicken breasts, lightly pounded
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, quartered lengthwise and very thinly sliced
- 2 rounded tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup cloudy apple cider or chicken stock
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- Chopped flat leaf parsley or celery greens, for garnish
Pre-heat the oven to 375°F.
Arrange the bacon on a slotted broiler pan or on a rack placed over a baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 15 minutes. Chop and reserve. Switch on the broiler and position the rack in the center of the oven.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Salt it, add the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the instructions indicate, or until just shy of al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
While the pasta is working, heat a grill pan or cast iron griddle over medium-high heat. Drizzle the chicken with EVOO to coat lightly, then season evenly with paprika, salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a cutting board and halve the pieces lengthwise, then thinly slice them crosswise.
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a medium size saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until light golden brown and very soft, 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in the cider (or stock), then add the milk. Bring to a boil and cook, whisking, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, 3-4 minutes. Add the thyme and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir in the cheese until melted.
Add the chicken, bacon and sauce to the pasta and transfer to a casserole. Broil until bubbling and browned, about 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or celery greens.