Southwestern Chicken-Pasta Bake

Jun 02, 2023June 2, 20230 2
Southwestern Chicken-Pasta Bake recipe for a hearty meal
in Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

60 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

3 teaspoons salt ( divided )
12 ounces linguine
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 green bell pepper , seeded and chopped
1/2 onion , chopped
2 garlic cloves , chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
0.5 can tomato paste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies , drained
2 cups four-cheese mexican cheese
4 cups diced cooked chicken
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
556
Sugar
7g
Fat
29g
Southwestern Chicken-Pasta Bake is a delicious comfort food that combines pasta, chicken, and cheese into one hearty dinner dish. The combination of Mexican flavors brings a unique twist to traditional pasta and cheese dishes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual supper with friends. You can add more or less spice depending on your preference, making this recipe incredibly versatile. The baked pasta dish is a great way to combine ingredients in a one-pan meal that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F.
2.Cook linguine according to package directions, adding 2 teaspoons of salt to the cooking water. Drain and set aside.
3.Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic, cooking until soft, for about 5 minutes. Stir in cumin, chili powder, tomato paste, and flour. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until creamy, then stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies and 1 teaspoon of salt.
4.Stir in the cooked pasta, cheese, and chicken, mixing well to combine everything. Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish lined with nonstick cooking spray.
5.Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

PROS

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.

It is a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for chilly evenings and is sure to impress your guests.

The southwestern flavors in this dish are bold and spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and fat due to the use of cheese and butter.

The pasta adds to the carb count making it not the best option for those on a low-carb diet.

The recipe takes about an hour to make, so it isn’t the quickest dinner option.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The use of bell pepper, onion, and garlic in this recipe provide plenty of micronutrients and antioxidants which helps to boost immunity and support healthy digestion. Cumin and chili powder have also been linked to reducing inflammation and promoting weight loss.

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