Southwestern Chicken-Pasta Bake |
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Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes |
Ready In: 70 Minutes Servings: 1 |
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Southwestern Chicken-Pasta Bake incorporates all the flavors from that region. This hearty baked dish is an excellent way to use leftover chicken, and it freezes well for future meals. Ingredients:
salt |
12 ounces linguine |
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter |
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped |
1/2 onion, diced |
2 cloves garlic, chopped |
1 teaspoon cumin |
1 teaspoon chili powder |
1/2 6-oz. can tomato paste |
1/2 cup all-purpose flour |
4 cups milk |
1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained |
2 cups four-cheese mexican blend |
4 cups diced cooked chicken (from a rotisserie bird) |
chopped cilantro, optional |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F; mist a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes or as package directs. Drain.
2. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder and 2 tsp. salt; sauté until onion is tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes longer.
3. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, whisking, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and 1 cup cheese. Cook, whisking, for 1 minute or until cheese melts.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in chicken and pasta. Scrape into baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. (Preheat broiler to high and broil casserole for a minute to brown, if desired.) Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired; serve.
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