Best 6 Southwest Mac Cheese With Optional Chicken Recipes
In the realm of culinary delights, where bold flavors dance and spices ignite the senses, there exists a dish that captivates the taste buds and transports one to the vibrant landscapes of the American Southwest: Southwest Mac and Cheese. This delectable creation is a symphony of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and an array of southwestern spices, coming together in perfect harmony. With the option of adding tender chicken, this dish becomes a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
SOUTHWEST MAC & CHEESE WITH OPTIONAL CHICKEN
A south-of-the-border twist on classic mac and cheese. Black beans, corn, mild green chilies (or hot, depending on your preference), chili powder, and optional chunks of chicken for the meat-eaters join up with an uber-creamy, cheesy pasta topped with a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips. And then baked to perfection.
Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Boil the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and return to the pan you boiled it in. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Set out six individual, oven-safe ramekins or gratin dishes for individual servings, two 5"x8" baking dishes if you're cooking up one dish with meat and one without, or an 8"x8"/two-quart baking dish if cooking it all in one big batch.
- In a medium bowl, toss together the cheddar, monterey jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
- Over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, salt, dry mustard, chili powder, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir constantly over medium heat for about three minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk. Continuing over medium heat, whisk frequently for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens (as the sauce gets thicker, I recommend going from frequent stirs to constant stirs to help avoid burning).
- Remove from heat, and stir in 2 cups of the cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted, then add the green chilies and corn. Stir until combined. Select your version from the options below to continue.
SOUTHWEST CHICKEN, MACARONI AND CHEESE
Make and share this Southwest Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Chef Steph
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Brown chicken and cut into 1 inch pieces.
- Add 2 cups of water bring to a boil.
- Add the 2 cups of macaroni cook on medium heat for 15 minute or until all of the water is gone (mix often so it does not stick).
- Add 1 can of Rotel and 10 oz. of Velveeta cheese.
- Melt and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 542.4, Fat 17.7, SaturatedFat 10.6, Cholesterol 121.8, Sodium 1412.3, Carbohydrate 48.6, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 6.6, Protein 45
SOUTHWEST MACARONI AND JACK CHEESE BAKE
The Southwest version of macaroni and cheese. For children you can use half plain and half jalapeno Monterrey Jack or just plain cheese. For a richer taste use half and half or light cream. For more spice use canned jalapenos instead of chili peppers.
Provided by Lorac
Categories Cheese
Time 55m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Add milk and cream cheese to a large sauce pan, heat over medium high heat and stir until cheese melts.
- Add chili peppers, salt and cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
- Spoon half the macaroni into the baking dish and top with half the cheese.
- Add the remaining macaroni, cheese and top with the nacho chips.
- Bake 30-35 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 610.7, Fat 32.5, SaturatedFat 19.9, Cholesterol 98.5, Sodium 597.3, Carbohydrate 51.9, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 2.9, Protein 27.9
SOUTHWEST MAC AND CHEESE
This Mexican-inspired dish features ingredients loved in all cultures: cheese, pasta and corn!
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 22m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients except cheese in 12-inch nonstick skillet. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer 10 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until macaroni is tender. Stir in cheese until melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 425, Carbohydrate 58 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 5 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1030 mg
SOUTHWEST CHICKEN
Chicken breasts are cooked until tender and combined with corn, black beans, cheese and salsa for this festive dish with southwestern flair. The garnishes are optional, but they really make the meal! - Maddymoo, Taste of Home Online Community
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 4h15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a 3-qt. slow cooker, layer three-fourths each of the corn and beans and half the salsa. Arrange chicken over salsa; top with remaining corn, beans and salsa. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken is tender. , Shred chicken with 2 forks and return to the slow cooker; heat through. Top with the peppers, sour cream, cheese and onions if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 234 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 52mg cholesterol, Sodium 678mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
SOUTHWESTERN MAC & CHEESE
Diced tomatoes and green chilies give this hearty mac and cheese casserole its distinctive Southwestern appeal.
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Home
Time 1h
Yield 12 servings, 1-1/3 cups each
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Cook macaroni as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, brown meat with bell peppers in large skillet; drain.
- Heat dressing in large saucepan. Add flour; cook and stir 1 min. or until bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk; cook and stir 6 to 8 min. or until thickened. Add cheese, mustard and black pepper; cook and stir 2 min. or until cheese is melted and mixture is well blended.
- Drain macaroni. Add to cheese sauce; mix well. Stir in meat mixture and tomatoes and green chilies. Spoon into casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Bake 25 to 35 min. or until golden brown and sauce is bubbly. Let stand 2 min. before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 470, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 490 mg, Carbohydrate 42 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 7 g, Protein 24 g
Tips:
- For a creamy and gooey mac and cheese, use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cheese sauce.
- To make the mac and cheese even more flavorful, use chicken broth instead of milk.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- For a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini.
Conclusion:
This Southwest mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful Southwestern spices, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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