Southwestern Chicken-Pasta Bake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 teaspoons salt (divided )
12 ounces linguine
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
0.5 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
2 cups four-cheese mexican cheese
4 cups diced cooked chicken
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees farenheit; mist a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente about 10 minute or as package directs. Drain.
2. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bell pepper,onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder and 2 tsp., salt; saute until onion is tender, 6- to 8 minute Add tomato paste and cook stirring constantly, 2 minute longer.
3. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, whisking until thickened about 5min. Add diced tomatoes and 1 cup cheese. Cook, whisking for 1 minute or until cheese melts.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in chiken and paste.Scrape into baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until bubbly; 20-25 minute (preheat broiler to high and broil casserole for a minute to brown, if desired )Let stand for 10-15min. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired, serve.