Chicken Schnitzel Mac & Cheese

Cook the macaroni in a large saucepan of salted boiling water for 8 - 12 minutes until al dente. Drain, return to the saucepan and set aside. 

Meanwhile, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and fry for 2 - 3 minutes or until just golden. Stir in the spinach and cook, tossing, for 1 minute or until spinach has just wilted. Set aside.

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute or until the mixture bubbles. Remove pan from the heat. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until a smooth sauce forms. Return the pan to medium heat and cook until the sauce boils, stirring continuously. Stir in the cheddar and parmesan until melted and smooth. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and add the bacon and spinach. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 180°C. Spread half the ready-made tomato pasta sauce in the base of an ovenproof dish. Set aside the ovenproof dish and remaining tomato pasta sauce. 

Cut each chicken breast fillet in half horizontally. Place plastic wrap over the halved chicken fillets. Using a rolling pin, gently pound the thickest ends of the chicken fillets until they are an even thickness. Try to maintain the shape of each fillet. Place flour and breadcrumbs on separate plates. Place whisked eggs in a bowl. Dip chicken fillets in the flour. Shake off excess. Dip chicken fillets in egg, then breadcrumbs and press firmly to coat.

Place the crumbed chicken fillets on a clean work surface. Place one sixth of the macaroni and cheese mixture in the centre of each fillet. Fold over the ends of the fillets to enclose the macaroni and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed chicken fillets in the ovenproof dish, on top of the ready-made tomato pasta sauce. 

Spoon the remaining ready-made tomato pasta sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake for 35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Sprinkle with rocket and serve.