Southwest Pasta Bake

You have no idea how close I was to not posting this!

You're probably thinking this pasta looks a little odd!  Let me explain...

About a month ago, Stephen and I went to a farmers market where I bought what I've been referring to as "fancy pasta".  For this recipe, I used this Southwestern Pasta Blend.  

This is what it looked like.  Cool, huh?!?

And while it was cooking, I'm thinking to myself "this is so pretty and colorful, I bet it will photograph well"!

WRONG!

Something happened in the baking process, because the more I look at the finished product...I know it doesn't look nearly as appetizing as it was.  I promise this was delicious!  Don't let my funky pasta, and crappy photo turn you off!  If I were to make this again (which I will be), and didn't have this on hand...I'm sure it would be just as yummy with any kind of pasta.  I would probably try it with whole wheat.  This recipe made enough for hubby and I (and lunch leftovers for the following day).  I used an 8x8 casserole dish, but if doubling the recipe for a larger crowd, a 9x13 would be perfect!

Ingredients:

2 cups of low fat greek yogurt

1 4 oz. can of chopped green chilis

2 tbsp. of cumin

2 tbsp. of chili powder

1 tsp. of garlic powder

1/2 tsp. of salt

4 tbsp. of lime juice

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese + 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (separated)

1 lb. of ground turkey meat

1/3 cup of red onions - chopped

1 cup of grape tomatoes - halved

1/2 cup of corn

15 oz. can of black beans - drained and rinsed

1/2 lb. of pasta (southwestern blend if you have it)

Directions:

1.  Mix first 7 ingredients + 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.

2.  Brown turkey meat, then set it aside.

3.  In a large pan over medium heat, cook red onions, and tomatoes for 5-6 min, add corn, black beans, and cooked turkey meat (lower heat). 

4.  Cook pasta according to directions, and strain.  While pasta is still hot, combine in a large bowl with the greek sauce, and turkey meat mixture....mix thoroughly.

5.  Pour everything into a casserole dish - top with remaining cup of cheese.  

6.  In an oven preheated to 400 degrees, cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and starts to bubble.  

I am SO glad I still shared this with you all!  As you can see, Mal walked me through this crisis...  

It was because of her honesty, that I decided to be honest with all of you.  It just isn't a very pretty meal...my bad!  I guess they can't all be beautiful!  I hope you enjoy it anyway!  HA!  :)

Have you ever made a delicious meal that came out looking completely unappetizing???