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Tex-Mex Pasta Bake

This casserole-type cheesy pasta dish is perfect for a quick small dinner or double (or triple!) it for a party or a gathering.
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fusilli noodles gluten free or wheat
  • 1 cup black bean noodles see notes below
  • 2 bell peppers diced
  • 1 jalapeno diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast marinated (see below)
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese or heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 can Rotel
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or any cheese of choice

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp worcestshire sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cayenne optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375 F.
  • Cut your chicken into cubes and marinate it in a bowl or zip-lock in the fridge using the ingredients listed.
  • Cook your noodles, strain, and set them aside in an oven safe casserole dish. I use an 8x8 Pyrex dish.
  • In a skillet at medium heat, saute the bell peppers and jalapenos in the cooking oil of choice. Remove and add to the noodles.
  • Cook your chicken in the same skillet at medium heat until thoroughly cooked through.
  • Once all the way cooked, add the cream cheese or heavy cream to the chicken. Stir until it is all coated.
  • Remove from the heat and add to the noodles and peppers.
  • Add the rotel and the enchilada sauce and mix everything together.
  • Top with cheese and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove and serve warm.

Notes

If using gluten free noodles, make sure to rinse them before you boil them to avoid extra starchiness.
I use Trader Joe's brand black bean noodles. Option to omit these and use 3 cups of normal noodles.
This dish can be saved for later before placing in the oven if you simply cover it and put it in a fridge or freezer. Before you are ready to serve, bring it back to near room temperature and bake for about 20 minutes. If you wish, you can try putting it right in the oven and bake for a bit longer, but I have not tried this route.