Green Chile Cheese Baked Pasta
🔥 Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13 baking dish or large casserole dish.
Cook Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
Stir in garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat and add cheeses gradually, stirring until fully melted.
Assemble:
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, cheese sauce, green chiles, and tomatoes or red bell pepper.
Pour into the prepared baking dish and top with more cheese and extra green chiles if desired.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips:
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Use smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese for deeper flavor.
Serve with warm tortillas or a crisp side salad.