Best 2 Southwestern Pasta Cheese Recipes

Indulge in a tantalizing culinary journey with our Southwestern Pasta with Cheese, an explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant landscapes of the Southwest. This delectable dish is a harmonious blend of tender pasta, a creamy cheese sauce infused with a symphony of Southwestern spices, and a medley of colorful vegetables. The pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, providing a satisfying bite, while the cheese sauce, made with a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, envelops the pasta in a velvety embrace. Zesty salsa and flavorful corn add a pop of freshness and sweetness, while diced jalapenos bring a touch of heat that lingers on the palate. Every bite of this Southwestern Pasta with Cheese is a fiesta of flavors that will leave you craving more.

In addition to the main recipe, this article also features a delightful collection of variations, each offering a unique twist on the classic Southwestern Pasta with Cheese. For those who prefer a vegetarian delight, the Vegetarian Southwestern Pasta with Cheese replaces the ground beef with a combination of roasted vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful meatless alternative. The One-Pot Southwestern Pasta with Cheese is a culinary symphony prepared entirely in one pot, making it a convenient and time-saving option for busy weeknights.

If you're seeking a dish with a bit more kick, the Spicy Southwestern Pasta with Cheese incorporates diced habaneros into the cheese sauce, adding an extra layer of heat that will ignite your taste buds. Finally, the Creamy Southwestern Pasta with Cheese showcases a creamy Alfredo sauce infused with Southwestern spices, resulting in a luscious and indulgent pasta experience. With so many tantalizing variations to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect Southwestern Pasta with Cheese recipe to satisfy your cravings.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

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

Ingredients

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

Ingredients

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.

Tips:

Use a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the pasta, as it will need plenty of room to expand.
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
When making the sauce, be sure to sauté the vegetables until they are softened and slightly browned.
Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Cook for a few minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
Serve the pasta immediately, topped with additional cheese, sour cream, and salsa, if desired.

Conclusion:

Southwestern pasta with cheese is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or beef. With its combination of pasta, cheese, and vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this Southwestern pasta with cheese a try.