Santa Fe Pasta Recipes

SANTA FE PASTA SAUCE

Steps:

• Add oil to a large nonstick skillet; heat over medium heat.
• Add in onion and garlic; stir/saute for 5 minutes.
• Lower heat to medium-low; stir in salsa and tomato sauce; cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Stir in corn and next 4 ingredients; cook 4 minutes or until well heated; keep sauce warm.
• Season chicken breasts w/ salt and pepper; place chicken on a heated grill with grill rack that has been coated with cooking spray; cook 5 minutes on each side or until done.
• Slice chicken lengthwise into 1/2-inch wide strips.
• Place pasta on individual plates; spoon sauce over pasta; top with chicken strips and garnish with jalapeno slices.

SANTA FE CHICKEN PASTA (COPYCAT)

Steps:

• Cook your chicken first.
• To blacken, lightly sprinkle blackening seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
• Heat a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken completely - turning only once.
• Hint: You may want to do this on your grill outside because a lot of smoke can be generated.
• Slice the chicken into the thin long strips.
• Set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce and noodles.
• In a large pot, start heat your water to a boil in preparation for the pasta.
• In a large stainless saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat.
• While the butter is melting, finely mince the garlic and then add to the pan.
• Cook the garlic for two minutes and then add all of the cream.
• Stir occasionally while it reduces by half.
• Hint: If your garlic turns brown then the pan was too hot - start over, it will be worth it.
• While the cream is starting to reduce, prepare your other ingredients by finely mincing the green onions, cilantro, tomatoes & roasted red peppers - but keep the tomatoes separate.
• Stir in the cilantro, green onion & roasted red peppers while it's reducing.
• Your cream should be simmering now as it reduces - this process will normally take more than 20 minutes - stir occasionally and keep a watch out for it boiling over.
• Boil the pasta, which should take at least 12 minutes.
• Clean the snow peas and add them to the cream - if they simmer in the cream for at least 10 minutes they are perfect - cooked through and hot, but still a bit crisp.
• When the pasta is done, the cream should be reduced by half now. The cream's texture should not be thick like Alfredo sauce, but not runny like water.
• Drain the pasta well! Penne pasta is a pain because it holds so much water, but too much left over water will thin out the sauce you worked so hard for.
• Put the noodles back in its pot and pour your cream over the noodles.
• Add the chicken and stir everything together well.
• Serve immediately as this dish is not good as leftovers or once the cream cools.
• Spoon out an appropriate amount onto a plate and then sprinkle some diced tomatoes on top - you can also use some left over cilantro sprig as garnish if you like.
• I usually serve this with warm Italian bread with soft butter on the side.

PENNE A LA SANTA FE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
• Roast the green chiles over a flame until blackened. Let cool in a paper bag, then peel but do not rinse. When cool enough to handle, chop and set aside.
• Toast the pine nuts until golden in a dry pan over low heat. Dice the roast chicken and the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Add the olive oil to a large pan and saute the onion and garlic until golden. Stir in the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and green chile and cook for 1 minute. Season with plenty of salt and pepper, to taste. Drain the penne and add it to the pan. Toss until all of the ingredients are evenly mixed. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with toasted pine nuts... Buon Appetito!

SANTA FE SKILLET

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the pasta, contents of seasoning packet, salsa, water, chili powder, salt and cayenne., Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Stir in tomatoes; sprinkle with olives and cheese. Cover and simmer until heated through, 3-4 minutes. Serve with sour cream if desired.

SANTA FE SALAD

Steps:

• Place green beans in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil; cover and cook for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place beans in ice water. Drain and pat dry. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, cumin, salt and cayenne. , In a large bowl, combine the green beans, corn, pinto beans, black beans, red pepper, onion, chilies and olives. Sprinkle with cheese. Pour dressing over salad; toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.