Mexican Pasta
Mexican Pasta – Day 2 of 5 Days of Pasta. We have made pasta from Eat, Shrink and Be Merry cookbook many, many times called Smackaroni and Cheese, something that is quick and easy and kids love!!
I wanted to take that recipe and change it up to have a Mexican flair. Still great for a weeknight meal and sticking with our theme of cheesy pasta. This is a lightened up stovetop macaroni and cheese. Enjoy!!
Mexican Pasta
Yield:
8 Servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
22 minutes
Total Time:
32 minutes
A lightened up Mexican stove top pasta
Ingredients
- 14 oz. can 2% evaporated milk
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1 cup light cheese whiz
- 4 oz. can green chilies
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb. cooked chicken, diced
- 1 Tbsp. canola oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1/2 diced red pepper
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 2 cups salsa, drained slightly if watery
- 3 cup whole wheat rotini
- 1/2 cup Tex Mex light grated cheese
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Meanwhile in a medium saucepan, whisk together the evaporated milk, flour, and mustard until smooth.
- Heat over medium heat, until it starts to bubble and thicken, whisking constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and add Cheez Whiz, stirring until melted. Season with pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet add the oil and saute the onion, red pepper, and garlic. Stir in the salsa and cook for a minute or two.
- Add the chilies and the chicken and the reserved cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta and heat through. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve in large bowls topped with the Tex Mex cheese and cilantro.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 410Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 882mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 4gSugar: 10gProtein: 29g
Recipe calculation was provided by Nutritionix and is estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
Adapted from Eat, Shrink and Be Merry
Comments & Reviews
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
You know I am all over this dish! Looks amazing!!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Jennifer!!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I need to try this pasta, it looks so creamy and delicious!
Noshing with the Nolands says
I hope you do try it Ashley, tell me if you liked it to!!
zoha says
i really want to try this it looks so good waiting for mum too make it lol
Noshing with the Nolands says
I hope your mom makes it soon for you!!
Cindy says
Tried this pasta the other night- the kids and hubby loved it! We didn’t have evaporated milk, so I subbed it for half and half cream and wow was it ever creamy and delicious! I also topped each dish with a dollop of sour cream and crumbled bacon for an extra Tex Mex touched! 😀
Tara Noland says
Use what you have but if you want to lighten it up the evaporated milk is the way to go. I almost always have half and half on hand though. I am thrilled you liked it. We just had the original Smackaroni this week again, love it.
Cindy says
Hey Tara!
Half & half is always great to have on hand- it’s so versatile! I have yet to try the original Smackaroni recipe, but I think the kids enjoy this adaptation so much because it has a whole cup of their favourite condiment: Cheez-Whiz! I will definitely be playing around with this recipe and keep you updated. Might try a cheeseburger version next week 😉
Tara Noland says
Great that the kids are eating and love it. For sure it is a great recipe to play around with, have fun!!