Chili Cheddar Penne

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jan. 20, 2023
There's plenty of saucy, cheese flavor in this dish. Taco seasoning and canned chilies give it a zippy southwestern flare. Make it as spicy as you'd like by using mild or hot chiles and regular or spicy taco seasoning. —Aaron Werner, Madison, Wisconsin

Ingredients

  • 1-1/3 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 4 teaspoons butter
  • 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 2/3 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained
  • Sliced avocado, optional

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the cheese, taco seasoning and salt. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Drain pasta; stir into cheese sauce. Cook and stir for 3 minutes or until heated through.
  3. Stir in the corn, tomatoes and chiles just until combined. Garnish with avocado if desired.