Southwest Mac Cheese With Optional Chicken Recipes

SOUTHWEST MAC & CHEESE WITH OPTIONAL CHICKEN

Steps:

• Boil the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and return to the pan you boiled it in. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Set out six individual, oven-safe ramekins or gratin dishes for individual servings, two 5"x8" baking dishes if you're cooking up one dish with meat and one without, or an 8"x8"/two-quart baking dish if cooking it all in one big batch.
• In a medium bowl, toss together the cheddar, monterey jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
• Over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, salt, dry mustard, chili powder, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir constantly over medium heat for about three minutes.
• Slowly whisk in the milk. Continuing over medium heat, whisk frequently for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens (as the sauce gets thicker, I recommend going from frequent stirs to constant stirs to help avoid burning).
• Remove from heat, and stir in 2 cups of the cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted, then add the green chilies and corn. Stir until combined. Select your version from the options below to continue.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN, MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Brown chicken and cut into 1 inch pieces.
• Add 2 cups of water bring to a boil.
• Add the 2 cups of macaroni cook on medium heat for 15 minute or until all of the water is gone (mix often so it does not stick).
• Add 1 can of Rotel and 10 oz. of Velveeta cheese.
• Melt and serve.

SOUTHWEST MACARONI AND JACK CHEESE BAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
• Add milk and cream cheese to a large sauce pan, heat over medium high heat and stir until cheese melts.
• Add chili peppers, salt and cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
• Spoon half the macaroni into the baking dish and top with half the cheese.
• Add the remaining macaroni, cheese and top with the nacho chips.
• Bake 30-35 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and lightly browned.

SOUTHWEST MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients except cheese in 12-inch nonstick skillet. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat.
• Cover and simmer 10 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until macaroni is tender. Stir in cheese until melted.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a 3-qt. slow cooker, layer three-fourths each of the corn and beans and half the salsa. Arrange chicken over salsa; top with remaining corn, beans and salsa. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken is tender. , Shred chicken with 2 forks and return to the slow cooker; heat through. Top with the peppers, sour cream, cheese and onions if desired.

SOUTHWESTERN MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Cook macaroni as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, brown meat with bell peppers in large skillet; drain.
• Heat dressing in large saucepan. Add flour; cook and stir 1 min. or until bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk; cook and stir 6 to 8 min. or until thickened. Add cheese, mustard and black pepper; cook and stir 2 min. or until cheese is melted and mixture is well blended.
• Drain macaroni. Add to cheese sauce; mix well. Stir in meat mixture and tomatoes and green chilies. Spoon into casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
• Bake 25 to 35 min. or until golden brown and sauce is bubbly. Let stand 2 min. before serving.