Southwestern Chicken Pasta Recipes

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Add 2 1/2 tsp of salt and penne to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions.
• Sprinkle the chicken with the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt and the oregano.
• Cut the chicken across the short side to create strips.
• Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over high heat.
• When the oil is hot, add the chicken.
• Spread it out into a single layer.
• Then add the sliced peppers.
• Cook without stirring for about 5 min - you would like the chicken to brown a little bit. If it seems as if it will burn, stir it.
• Add the salsa, stir and cook for about 5 more min or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Stir in the sour cream.
• Spoon cooked penne into a serving bowl or onto plates.
• Top with the chicken mixture.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired, and a little of the shredded cheese.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA

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.

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN-PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees farenheit; mist a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente about 10 minute or as package directs. Drain.
• 2. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bell pepper,onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder and 2 tsp., salt; saute until onion is tender, 6- to 8 minute Add tomato paste and cook stirring constantly, 2 minute longer.
• 3. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, whisking until thickened about 5min. Add diced tomatoes and 1 cup cheese. Cook, whisking for 1 minute or until cheese melts.
• 4. Remove from heat. Stir in chiken and paste.Scrape into baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until bubbly; 20-25 minute (preheat broiler to high and broil casserole for a minute to brown, if desired )Let stand for 10-15min. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired, serve.

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat oil.
• Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
• Add queso and enough milk for desired consistency.
• Prepare pasta according to directions.
• Serve hot chicken and sauce over pasta.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to directions on package.
• While pasta is cooking, mix together (in a VERY large bowl) the cooked chicken, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, corn, onion, black beans, pinto beans, and taco seasoning.
• After pasta is finished cooking, mix it into the bowl with other ingredients (do not add cheese at this point because the hot pasta has a tendency to melt it, so wait to add the cheese until the pasta has completely cooled down).
• In a separate bowl, mix together dressing ingredients and fold into pasta/vegetable mixture. Stir until all ingredients are coated with dressing.
• Fold in cheese at this time and place in the fridge. I prefer to eat this after it has been in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours, but it tastes even better after staying in the fridge overnight.