MEXICALI BOLOGNESE

Mexicali Bolognese image

Provided by K J

Categories Pasta

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 15

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1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 c chopped bell pepper (i use a mix of orange, yellow and green)
1 (4oz) can(s) sliced shiitake mushrooms, chopped
1 can(s) diced tomato (do not drain)
1 can(s) diced tomato with jalapeno (do not drain)
1 c salsa
1/2 c frozen corn
2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
1 (8oz) stick cream cheese (let stand to room temp)
1 (15oz) jar(s) prepared spaghetti sauce ( i use about 3/4 of a jar of prego fresh mushroom sauce)
2 Tbsp taco seasoning mix
1 lb dried rigatoni (cooked to package direction)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or
1 lb mild italian sausage, browned

Steps:

1. IF USING CHICKEN: Place chicken in a baking dish sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until done. Use forks to shred the meat. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and sauté until onion is translucent and nearly all liquid has evaporated.
3. Toss in the peppers and sauté another minute or until fragrant. Add the cans of tomatoes, salsa, sauce and taco seasoning.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken and reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Uncover and stir thoroughly. Add in the cream cheese, stirring until well blended and not lumpy.
5. Add the corn and cilantro and stir to combine. Toss over noodles.
6. IF USING ITALIAN SAUSAGE: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown sausage in a drizzle of olive oil until thoroughly cooked (no pink).
7. Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Brown the sausage, add the onion and mushrooms and sauté until onion is translucent and nearly all liquid has evaporated.
8. Toss in the peppers and sauté another minute or until fragrant. Add the cans of tomatoes, salsa, sauce and taco seasoning.
9. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Uncover and stir thoroughly. Add in the cream cheese, stirring until well blended and not lumpy.
10. Add the corn and cilantro and stir to combine. Toss over noodles.