Best 4 Make Ahead Cheesy Southwest Chicken And Pasta Casserole Recipes
Comfort food doesn't get much better than a warm, cheesy pasta casserole. This make-ahead dish is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. With its combination of tender chicken, flavorful southwest spices, and a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The best part is that you can make it ahead of time, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat!
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
MAKE-AHEAD CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND PASTA CASSEROLE
Plan ahead and put this party-ready casserole in the freezer for your next big get-together! Once it's thawed, top with tortilla chips, and bake for a cheesy-crunchy crowd pleaser that packs tons of flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h25m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- In 4-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in onion, bell pepper, poblano and jalapeño chiles; cook about 6 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Stir in flour and taco seasoning mix; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually beat in broth with whisk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in cream cheese and Cheddar cheese.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package for minimum cook time. Drain; stir pasta into sauce with chicken, frozen corn and black beans. Pour pasta mixture into baking dish, and pour enchilada sauce over top.
- Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with tortilla chips. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and sauce is bubbling around edges. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and red onion just before serving.
- To freeze: Line 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with foil, making sure foil is as smooth as possible, as wrinkled foil may get stuck in sauce during freezing process. Leave enough overhang to lift casserole out of dish. Spray foil with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate sauce 30 to 40 minutes before assembling casserole. Mix sauce with cooked pasta, chicken, frozen corn and beans; spread in lined baking dish (do not add enchilada sauce); cover tightly with another layer of foil. Freeze unbaked casserole about 8 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer frozen casserole to labeled 2-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Remove air; seal and freeze up to three months. To bake: Remove foil, and transfer to 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and thaw in refrigerator until completely thawed, at least 48 hours. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove cover, and top with enchilada sauce. Bake 20 minutes; top with crushed tortilla chips. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly around edges (165°F in center). Let stand 15 minutes. Top with cilantro and red onion just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 490, Carbohydrate 61 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 7 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 910 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g
SOUTHWESTERN CASSEROLE
I've been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole recipe for years. It tastes wonderful, fits nicely into our budget and, best of all, makes a second one to freeze and enjoy later. -Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h5m
Yield 2 casseroles (6 servings each).
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat, crumbling beef, until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in next 8 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Drain macaroni; stir into beef mixture., Preheat oven to 375°. Transfer macaroni mixture to 2 greased 2-qt. baking dishes. Top with cheese and jalapenos. Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly and heated through, about 10 minutes longer. Serve 1 casserole. Cool the second; cover and freeze up to 3 months., To use frozen casserole: Thaw in refrigerator 8 hours. Preheat oven to 375°. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°, 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 321 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 673mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 24g protein.
CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Serve chicken and pasta casserole for your family's Southwest cuisine night - a cheesy meal.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h10m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°. Spray rectangular baking dish, 11x7x1 1/2 inches, with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- Mix pasta and remaining ingredients except cheese in large bowl. Spoon into baking dish.
- Cover and bake 45 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 490, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 3 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1110 mg
CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE
Easy, kid-friendly, healthy, yummy chicken and rice casserole. Double the recipe to have one casserole to bake right away and one to freeze for later.
Provided by Rena
Categories Chicken and Rice Casserole
Time 1h35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place chicken in a small baking dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, turning to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cut into strips or cubes when cool enough to handle. Leave the oven on.
- While the chicken bakes, bring water and 2 tablespoons olive oil to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff lightly with fork.
- While the rice cooks, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion, bell pepper, carrots, and garlic until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place rice, vegetable mixture, chicken, 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, beans, and tomatoes in a large bowl and stir until well combined. Spoon into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 minutes longer.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 409.3 calories, Carbohydrate 41 g, Cholesterol 53.3 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 990.8 mg, Sugar 2.7 g
Tips:
- Use a variety of cheeses for a richer flavor. A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan is a good option.
- If you don't have any cooked chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, onions, or corn.
- If you want a spicier casserole, add a teaspoon or two of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Be sure to cook the casserole until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the casserole immediately, or let it cool and then refrigerate it for later.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Pasta Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's also a great dish for potlucks and parties. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful Southwestern spices, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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