Mexican Chicken Pasta Casserole

Submitted by gailanng

"Prepare on a Sunday afternoon for dinner on Monday."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta (or 12 ounces other medium pasta shape) or 12 ounces ziti pasta (or 12 ounces other medium pasta shape)
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 jalapeno chile, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into thin strips
• 1⁄4 cup ripe olives, chopped
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese, Queso cheese, Jalapeno Havarti Cheese, shredded and divided
• vegetable oil cooking spray

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add chili powder and stir for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and liquid, cumin and oregano. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.
3. When pasta is done, drain well. In bowl, combine pasta, chicken, olives, 3/4 cup cheese and sauce. Spoon into 2-quart baking dish lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover loosely with foil and bake until warmed through and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.