Best 8 Southwest Cheese And Pasta Recipes

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Craving a cheesy and flavorful dish? Look no further than the Southwest Cheese and Pasta! This delectable recipe combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with creamy cheese and tender pasta to create a meal that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you're a fan of spicy cuisine or simply looking for a new and exciting pasta dish, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as we embark on a culinary journey through the Southwest, exploring the perfect balance of flavors that make this dish so special.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHWEST CHEESE AND PASTA



Southwest Cheese and Pasta image

Dinner ready in 25 minutes! Enjoy this creamy pasta packed with cheese - perfect if you love Southwest cuisine!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup green salsa (salsa verde)
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained
8 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
1 loaf (8 oz. box) VELVEETA™ Original Cheese, cubed

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients except cheese in 12-inch nonstick skillet. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 10 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender.
  • Add cheese; stir until melted.

Nutrition Facts : Fat 2, ServingSize 1 Serving

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA & CHEESE



Southwestern Pasta & Cheese image

"I decided to give my old mac 'n' cheese recipe a new twist by including some of my favorite Southwestern ingredients. I especially like the smoky flavors of the chipotle and bacon...my family loves it all!" Serve with a salad or veggie. Naomi Reed - McMinnville, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3-1/3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
8 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2-1/4 cups fat-free milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
4 center-cut bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute pepper and onions in oil until tender. Stir in the flour, chili powder, chipotle pepper, salt and cumin until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese until melted., Drain pasta; toss with sauce. Stir in bacon and cilantro. Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 240 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 327mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA & CHEESE



Southwestern Pasta & Cheese image

From Taste of Home's Healthy Cooking Magazine. Naomi Reed of McMinnville Oregon wrote, "I gave mac and cheese a twist by adding some favorite ingredients. My family absolutely loves this side dish."

Provided by Shelby Jo

Categories     Spicy

Time 50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 1/3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
8 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chile in adobo, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 1/4 cups nonfat milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
4 slices center-cut bacon, strips cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute pepper and onions in oil until tender. Stir in the flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, and chipotle pepper until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese until melted.
  • Drain pasta; toss with sauce. Stir in bacon and cilantro. Transfer to a 2 quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

SOUTHWEST PASTA BAKE



Southwest Pasta Bake image

Fat-free cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar make this creamy casserole lower in fat and calories. It's a good way to get our kids to eat spinach in "disguise". -Carol Lepak of Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce
1 can (8 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) no-salt-added tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup sliced green onions

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in milk. Stir in spinach and oregano; set aside. , In a nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the picante sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Drain pasta; stir into meat mixture., In a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray, layer half of the meat mixture and all of the spinach mixture. Top with remaining meat mixture. , Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with olives and onions. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 870mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MAKE-AHEAD CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND PASTA CASSEROLE



Make-Ahead Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Pasta Casserole image

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

3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium poblano chile, chopped (3/4 cup)
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
2 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
4 1/2 cups uncooked bow-tie (farfalle) pasta (12 oz)
2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken
1 cup Cascadian Farm™ organic frozen corn (from 10-oz bag)
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ mild red enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips (about 6 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped red onion

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 PASTA



Southwestern Pasta image

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

Provided by Paris D

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 large sweet onions (about 2 1/4 lbs. total)
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin (to taste)
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder (to taste)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
3/4 cup corn kernel, fresh or frozen
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
12 ounces fettuccine, cooked as package directs
6 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped

Steps:

  • Peel sweet onions and cut into slices about 1/4-inch thick; separate slices into rings.
  • In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden, about 25 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, corn and chiles and cook 2 minutes longer.
  • Pour in the chicken stock and increase heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Combine the sauce, cooked pasta, cilantro and goat cheese, stirring and tossing to soften the cheese.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN ALFREDO PASTA BAKE RECIPE BY TASTY



Southwest Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: fusilli pasta, corn, black beans, cooked chicken, alfredo sauce, taco seasoning, monterey jack cheese, cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro

Provided by Claire Nolan

Categories     Dinner

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 oz fusilli pasta
8 oz corn, drained
8 oz black beans, drained & rinsed
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
16 oz alfredo sauce
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 cup monterey jack cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese
fresh cilantro, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C)
  • Cook the fusilli pasta according to box instructions. This will make about 4½ cups (900g) of cooked pasta.
  • In a large bowl, mix together cooked pasta, corn, black beans, cooked chicken, alfredo sauce, and taco seasoning.
  • Pour into a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan and spread evenly around the pan.
  • Sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top and cover with foil.
  • Bake for 35 minutes, uncovering after 20 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
  • Garnish with cilantro.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 486 calories, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 31 grams, Sugar 3 grams

SOUTHWESTERN VEGETARIAN PASTA



Southwestern Vegetarian Pasta image

Meat-y chickpeas are the protein in this vegetarian pasta dish with a southwestern flavor!

Provided by COLLEEN CAMPO

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
½ green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 (12 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large, deep skillet. Saute onion, green pepper, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas and corn. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until thickened and heated through.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Combine pasta and sauce. Sprinkle each serving with Monterey Jack cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 421.3 calories, Carbohydrate 72.1 g, Cholesterol 8.4 mg, Fat 7.9 g, Fiber 8.3 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 426.3 mg, Sugar 7.3 g

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Pasta: Elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini are all great options for this recipe. They hold the sauce well and have a sturdy texture that can stand up to the hearty ingredients.
  • Use Fresh Vegetables: Freshly diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers add a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish. If you don't have fresh vegetables on hand, you can use frozen or canned vegetables in a pinch.
  • Don't Skimp on the Cheese: A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich, gooey sauce that's sure to please everyone. Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
  • Season to Taste: Don't forget to season the dish with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. This will help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately after it's made. The pasta will start to absorb the sauce and become mushy if it sits for too long.

Conclusion:

This Southwest Cheese and Pasta recipe is a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor. With a combination of hearty pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or a potluck dish, this recipe is a great choice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!

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