Best 4 Southwest Pasta Bake Recipes

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Southwestern Pasta Bake is an easy and flavorful dish with a unique blend of zesty and creamy flavors. It is a great meal for busy weeknights, special occasions, and potlucks. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a delicious and hearty pasta dish that is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

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

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

SOUTHWEST CREAMY PASTA BAKE



Southwest Creamy Pasta Bake image

"I like to cook a package of boneless chicken breasts in the microwave, then dice it up and store in freezer bags. On hectic nights, just pull one out and thaw in the microwave for a real timesaver with quick, tasty recipes like this." Patty Putter - Marion, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1 can (10 ounces) green enchilada sauce
1 cup chopped green onions
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Drain pasta; stir into chicken mixture. , Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 550 calories, Fat 26g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 109mg cholesterol, Sodium 1103mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

SOUTHWEST PASTA BAKE RECIPE - (4.8/5)



Southwest Pasta Bake Recipe - (4.8/5) image

Provided by CandyH

Number Of Ingredients 15

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup milk
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound 90% Lean Ground Beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded 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. 2. 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. 3. In a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray, layer half of the meat mixture and all of the spinach mixture. Top with remaining meat mixture. 4. 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. Yield: 8 servings.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor, color, and nutrients to your pasta bake. Some good options include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the bake.
  • Use a good quality cheese. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your pasta bake. Look for a cheese that is flavorful and melts well.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make a pasta bake. Get creative and try different combinations of ingredients until you find one that you love.

Conclusion:

Southwest pasta bake is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a southwest pasta bake recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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