Mexican pasta casserole

 
                          MEXICAN PASTA CASSEROLE
 
 Recipe By     : 
 Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Pasta                            Poultry
                 Casseroles
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    1       lb           Rigatoni or Ziti
                         -OR other medium pasta
                         -shape, uncooked
    2       ts           Vegetable oil
    1       md           Onion -- chopped
    1                    Garlic clove -- minced
    1                    Jalapeno -- seeded and minced
    3       tb           Chili powder
   28       oz           Canned diced tomatoes
                         -- undrained
    1       t            Cumin
    1       t            Dried oregano
    8       oz           Cooked chicken breast
                         -(skinless, boneless)
                         - julienned
      1/4   c            Ripe olives
    4       oz           Grated Monterey Jack cheese
                         -OR Queso Quesadilla
                         -OR Havarti
                         -with Jalapeno Pepper
                         -cheese, divided
 
   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare pasta according
   to package directions.
   
   While pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a medium
   saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and
   jalapeno and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add
   the chili powder and stir for 1 minute. Add the
   tomatoes and liquid, cumin and oregano. Simmer until
   slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.
   
   When pasta is done, drain well. In a bowl, combine
   pasta, chicken, olives, 3/4 cup of cheese, and sauce.
   Spoon into a 2-quart baking dish lightly sprayed with
   vegetable oil. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
   Cover loosely with foil and bake until warmed through
   and the cheese melts, about 15 minutes.
   
   Serves 6 to 8
   
   Each serving provides: 329 Calories; 22.5 g Protein;
   32.6 g Carbohydrates; 13.3 g Fat; 32.2 mg Cholesterol;
   518.5 mg Sodium. Calories from Fat: 17%
   
   Copyright National Pasta Association
   (http://www.ilovepasta.org) (Reprinted with permission)
  
 
 
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