SOUTHWESTERN PASTA AND CHEESE

By bklynmommy

Ingredients

• 3-1/3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
• 8 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2-1/4 cups milk
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

Details

Adapted from stephaniecooks.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

1- Cook pasta according to package directions.
2- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute pepper and onions in oil untiltender. Stir in the flour, chili powder, chipotle pepper, salt and cumin until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup cheeseuntil melted.
3- Drain pasta; toss with sauce. Stir in cilantro. Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.