Cheesy Fiesta Pasta Bake

Name: Cheesy Fiesta Pasta Bake
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 7
Ingredients: 3 cups penne pasta; ¾ cup milk; ½ lb. VELVEETA®, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes; 1 green pepper, chopped; ¼ tsp. ground cumin and garlic powder; 10 PREMIUM Saltine Crackers, crushed (about 1/4 cup); 1 Tbsp. butter, melted

Creamy, cheesy goodness is a great way to describe this grown up macaroni and cheese. Sweet cherry tomatoes and green peppers add flavor to this easy side dish.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 h 0 min

Makes 7 servings, 1 cup each.

Ingredient list

3 cups penne pasta
¾ cup milk
½ lb. (8 oz.) VELVEETA®, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 green pepper, chopped
¼ tsp. each ground cumin and garlic powder
10 PREMIUM Saltine Crackers, crushed (about 1/4 cup)
1 Tbsp. butter, melted

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F.

Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package; drain. Set aside.

Cook milk and Velveeta in same large saucepan over medium heat until Velveeta is completely melted and sauce is well blended, stirring frequently. Add shredded cheese; stir until melted.

Add tomatoes, peppers, cumin and garlic powder to saucepan along with the pasta; stir until pasta is evenly coated with sauce.

Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray.

Combine cracker crumbs and butter; sprinkle over pasta mixture.

Bake 35 to 40 min. or until heated through.

Recipe Tips

Special ExtraStir in 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, with the pasta.
Substitute
Substitute 3 cups thawed frozen mixed vegetables for the tomatoes and green peppers.