Best Make Ahead Cheesy Southwest Chicken And Pasta Casserole Recipes

CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°. Spray rectangular baking dish, 11x7x1 1/2 inches, with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
• Mix pasta and remaining ingredients except cheese in large bowl. Spoon into baking dish.
• Cover and bake 45 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.

CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place chicken in a small baking dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, turning to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cut into strips or cubes when cool enough to handle. Leave the oven on.
• While the chicken bakes, bring water and 2 tablespoons olive oil to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff lightly with fork.
• While the rice cooks, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion, bell pepper, carrots, and garlic until tender, about 10 minutes.
• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Place rice, vegetable mixture, chicken, 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, beans, and tomatoes in a large bowl and stir until well combined. Spoon into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 minutes longer.