Cheesy Mexican Chicken Penne Delight
This Cheesy Mexican Chicken Penne Delight is a mouthwatering fusion dish combining tender chicken and zesty salsa con queso, perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Inspired by a simple recipe from Marti Gutwein in Simple & Delicious, this dish highlights the comforting texture of penne pasta enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Fresh tomatoes and green onions add a burst of color and a refreshing crunch, while a sprinkle of cheddar cheese brings everything together. It's a satisfying meal that caters to both family gatherings and busy weekdays, leaving you craving for more!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
cubed cooked chicken
2 cups (cooked, cubed)
salsa con queso dip
1 1/4 cups (ready to use)
milk
1/2 cup (whole or preferred type)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
tomatoes
1 (chopped)
green onions
3 (sliced)
shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, salsa con queso, milk, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
3
Add the drained penne pasta to the chicken mixture, tossing gently until all pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
4
Transfer the pasta mixture to a serving dish and top with chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
5
Serve warm and enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mexican Chicken Penne Delight?
It is a mouthwatering fusion dish combining tender chicken and zesty salsa con queso with penne pasta, fresh tomatoes, and green onions.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What category of food does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How much penne pasta is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
Does the chicken need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken.
What kind of cheese dip should I use?
You should use 1 1/4 cups of salsa con queso dip.
What type of milk can be used?
You can use 1/2 cup of whole milk or your preferred type of milk.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust it to taste.
What are the fresh toppings for this dish?
The pasta is topped with one chopped tomato, three sliced green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How should the penne pasta be cooked?
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until it is al dente.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is a family-friendly meal that caters well to both gatherings and busy weekdays.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While penne is recommended for its texture, you can substitute it with other similar pasta shapes.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe.
Who inspired this recipe?
This dish was inspired by a simple recipe from Marti Gutwein in Simple & Delicious.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
The primary tags include chicken, pasta, mexican, and cheesy.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can increase the spice level by choosing a hotter variety of salsa con queso dip.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be sliced before being used as a topping.
What is the best way to incorporate the chicken?
Combine the cubed cooked chicken with the salsa con queso, milk, and salt in a large mixing bowl before adding the pasta.
How much cheddar cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the topping.
Should this dish be served hot?
Yes, for the best experience, serve this delightful fusion of flavors warm.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely, rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice for the 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken.
What can I serve as a side for this meal?
A simple side salad or corn on the cob would complement the Mexican flavors of this dish.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its creamy, cheesy texture and satisfying ingredients.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The specific calorie, fat, carbohydrate, and protein counts are not provided in this version of the recipe.
Can I use dairy-free milk?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free milk alternative, though it may slightly alter the flavor of the cheese sauce.
What size pot is needed for the pasta?
A large pot is required to boil the water and cook 16 ounces of pasta.
Can I add extra vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, adding bell peppers or corn to the chicken mixture would work well with the Mexican theme.
How do I ensure the pasta is well coated?
Add the drained penne to the chicken and cheese mixture and toss gently until every piece is covered.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, this dish can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, though you may need a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I bake this dish to melt the cheese?
While the instructions suggest serving it warm after mixing, you could place it in a baking dish and melt the cheese under a broiler for a few minutes.