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Sure, here’s the detailed recipe for Mexican Pasta Casserole:
Mexican Pasta Casserole ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐
Description:
I got this recipe from a friend who got it from a Betty Crocker cookbook. A very quick and easy Mexican casserole. Great reheated as well.

Recipe Information:
- Category: One Dish Meal
- Keywords: Pasta Shells, Mexican, < 60 Mins, Oven
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 764.2
- Fat Content: 25.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 163.4mg
- Sodium Content: 659.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 95.3g
- Fiber Content: 9.3g
- Sugar Content: 8.1g
- Protein Content: 40.1g
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 | Rigatoni pasta |
2 | Tablespoons olive oil |
1 | Clove garlic |
2 | Medium tomatoes |
1 | Teaspoon chili powder |
2 | Teaspoons cumin |
1 1/2 | Teaspoons dried oregano |
1 | Cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese |
8 | Black olives |
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
-
Cook the Pasta:
- While the oven is heating, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and jalapeรฑos, and cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chili powder and cook for an additional minute until the mixture becomes aromatic.
-
Simmer the Sauce:
- Add chopped tomatoes with their liquid, cumin, and dried oregano to the pan.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the sauce has simmered, combine the drained pasta, shredded chicken, sliced olives, and 3/4 cup of Monterey Jack cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the simmered sauce over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
-
Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this quick and easy Mexican pasta casserole!
This recipe serves as a perfect weeknight dinner option, providing a hearty and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat for leftovers, ensuring you have a tasty meal ready to enjoy whenever hunger strikes.