Green Chile Cheese Baked Pasta is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish with a mild Southwestern twist. Tender pasta is tossed in a rich cheese sauce with flavorful green chiles, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want a cozy baked pasta dish.
⏱️ Recipe Details
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 6
🛒 Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
Optional Topping
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½ cup bread crumbs
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1 tablespoon melted butter
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens.
3. Add Cheese and Chiles
Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and green chiles until melted and smooth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.
4. Combine with Pasta
Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
If using, mix bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
6. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This baked pasta pairs well with:
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Grilled chicken or steak
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Fresh garden salad
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Garlic bread
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Roasted vegetables
💡 Tips & Variations
Make it spicy:
Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
Add protein:
Mix in shredded chicken or cooked ground beef.
Extra creamy:
Stir ½ cup cream cheese into the sauce.
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days and reheat in the oven.
