Santa Fe Pasta Bake Recipes

SANTA FE CASSEROLE BAKE

Steps:

• Preheat over to 375 degrees.
• In medium skillet, brown meat till done.
• Drain meat well then return to skillet.
• Add taco seasoningand blend well.
• In a small bowl, combine broth and flour.
• Add to meat mexture and bring to boil to slightly thicken liquid.
• Stir in sour cream and chilies, blend well.
• Lightly grease a 13 X 9 inch glass baking dish with cooking sprya.
• Pour half of the bag of chips in the bottom and press down to flatten.
• Top with half the meat mixture.
• Next layer with half of the cheese.
• Next layer half the onions.
• Repeat layers ending with the onion.
• Bake uncovered in the oven at 375 for 20 minutes.
• Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

SANTA FE CHICKEN PASTA (COPYCAT)

Steps:

• Cook your chicken first.
• To blacken, lightly sprinkle blackening seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
• Heat a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken completely - turning only once.
• Hint: You may want to do this on your grill outside because a lot of smoke can be generated.
• Slice the chicken into the thin long strips.
• Set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce and noodles.
• In a large pot, start heat your water to a boil in preparation for the pasta.
• In a large stainless saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat.
• While the butter is melting, finely mince the garlic and then add to the pan.
• Cook the garlic for two minutes and then add all of the cream.
• Stir occasionally while it reduces by half.
• Hint: If your garlic turns brown then the pan was too hot - start over, it will be worth it.
• While the cream is starting to reduce, prepare your other ingredients by finely mincing the green onions, cilantro, tomatoes & roasted red peppers - but keep the tomatoes separate.
• Stir in the cilantro, green onion & roasted red peppers while it's reducing.
• Your cream should be simmering now as it reduces - this process will normally take more than 20 minutes - stir occasionally and keep a watch out for it boiling over.
• Boil the pasta, which should take at least 12 minutes.
• Clean the snow peas and add them to the cream - if they simmer in the cream for at least 10 minutes they are perfect - cooked through and hot, but still a bit crisp.
• When the pasta is done, the cream should be reduced by half now. The cream's texture should not be thick like Alfredo sauce, but not runny like water.
• Drain the pasta well! Penne pasta is a pain because it holds so much water, but too much left over water will thin out the sauce you worked so hard for.
• Put the noodles back in its pot and pour your cream over the noodles.
• Add the chicken and stir everything together well.
• Serve immediately as this dish is not good as leftovers or once the cream cools.
• Spoon out an appropriate amount onto a plate and then sprinkle some diced tomatoes on top - you can also use some left over cilantro sprig as garnish if you like.
• I usually serve this with warm Italian bread with soft butter on the side.

SANTA FE CHICKEN AND PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Spray a 3 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine salsa, soup and sour cream, mix well.
• Add pasta, 2/3 cup French fried onions, chicken and cheese, stir to blend in with salsa mixture.
• Spoon into casserole dish.
• Cover and bake 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
• Before serving, stir casserole and sprinkle with remaining 2/3 cup onions.
• Bake 3 minutes or until onions are golden in color.