This Green Chile Macaroni Sopita is a delicious twist on the traditional Mexican sopa de fideo, combining toasted pasta, creamy tomato broth, roasted green chiles, and melted cheese. Itโs a comforting, flavorful dish thatโs perfect as a side dish or a simple family meal.
Ingredients
For the Sopita
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3โ4 cups roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped
- 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ยฝ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ยฝ lb ground beef or chorizo
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Sliced jalapeรฑos
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Toast the Pasta
- Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add macaroni and cook for 3โ5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
- Remove pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Green Chile Sauce
- In the same pot, add onion and cook for 3โ4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down.
- Stir in green chiles, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 2โ3 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Cook the Sopita
- Add toasted pasta back into the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10โ12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in milk or cream.
- Add Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
- Stir until melted and creamy.
4. Finish & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with cilantro, extra cheese, or sliced jalapeรฑos.
- Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Green Chile Macaroni Sopita with:
- Carne asada
- Chicken enchiladas
- Tacos
- Carne guisada
- Grilled steak
- Pinto beans
- Warm tortillas
Tips for the Best Green Chile Sopita
- Toasting the pasta first gives it a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Use roasted Hatch green chiles for authentic New Mexico flavor.
- Add cheese slowly over low heat to keep the sauce smooth.
- Adjust the spice level by mixing mild and hot green chiles.
- For a richer version, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving โ the sauce thickens beautifully.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
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Green Chile Macaroni Sopita Recipe (Creamy Mexican Green Chile Pasta)
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