SOUTHWESTERN PASTA BAKE

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Southwestern Pasta Bake image

Make and share this Southwestern Pasta Bake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Chicken

Time 50m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

coarse salt
1 lb penne rigate or 1 lb cavatappi pasta
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces (6 oz. each)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 tablespoons chili powder
coarse black pepper
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
3/4 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat the broiler to high and position the rack 8 inches from the heat.
  • Bring a large pot of water to boil; salt the boiling water and cook the pasta until slightly undercooked-a little chewy at the center.
  • While the water is coming to a boil, preheat a large skillet over med-high heat with the vegetable oil.
  • Season the chicken with cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper; add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Add in the onions, garlic, and jalapeno peppers; continue to cook 5 minutes.
  • While the chicken is cooking with the onions, make the cheddar sauce.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour to it.
  • Cook 1-2 minutes over medium heat, then whisk in the milk.
  • When the milk comes to a bubble, stir in the cheese, cilantro, and parsley with a wooden spoon.
  • Season with a little salt and pepper; remove cheese sauce from heat.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add back into the large pot.
  • Add in the contents of the chicken skillet and all the cheddar sauce; stir to combine.
  • Transfer mixture to a baking dish and place under the broiler to lightly brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1142.7, Fat 49.8, SaturatedFat 26.1, Cholesterol 190.1, Sodium 718.3, Carbohydrate 103.5, Fiber 6.7, Sugar 4.6, Protein 69.4

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