🌶️🧀 Green Chile Cheese Baked Pasta
Creamy, cheesy comfort food with a mild Southwestern kick — perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
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12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons flour
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2 cups milk (warm)
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1 (4–7 oz) can diced green chiles (mild or hot)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for warmth)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional add-ins:
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1 cup cooked shredded chicken
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½ lb browned ground beef
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¼ cup chopped cilantro
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (don’t brown).
Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth and thickened.
Stir in garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add green chiles and 1½ cups cheddar + ½ cup Monterey Jack.
Stir until melted and creamy.
3️⃣ Combine
Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce.
Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
4️⃣ Top & Bake
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
🔥 Tips
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Roast fresh green chiles for deeper flavor.
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Add crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch.
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For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese.