1-First Step: Prepare the Green Chiles Begin by roasting the green chiles if you’re using fresh ones. Preheat your oven to broil and place 4 fresh green chile peppers on a baking sheet. Broil them for 3 to 5 minutes per side until the skins char nicely. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes, then peel off the skins, remove the tops and seeds, and dice them into small pieces. This step, which takes about 10 minutes total, adds that authentic fire-roasted flavor to your Green Chile Mac and Cheese.

2-Second Step: Cook the Pasta While the chiles cool, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add 1 lb of gemelli pasta or your chosen short pasta. Cook it until al dente, which means firm to the bite this usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check 2 minutes early to avoid overcooking. Drain the pasta and set it aside; this ensures it holds up well during baking without becoming mushy.

3-Third Step: Make the Cheese Sauce In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in 3 cups of whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps, then let it simmer gently for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Keep the heat at medium to prevent scorching, and stir often for the best results.

4-Fourth Step: Add Seasonings and Cheese Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano into the thickened sauce. Remove the pot from the heat, then add 3 cups of the shredded cheese (a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey jack) along with the diced roasted chiles. Stir until everything melts into a creamy sauce, which should take 1-2 minutes. This step is key for blending the flavors in your Green Chile Mac and Cheese.

5-Fifth Step: Combine and Bake Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese, and bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the cheese on top melts and bubbles. If you want a golden crust, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning. Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to make serving easier. Portion out the Green Chile Mac and Cheese onto plates, and pair it with simple sides like a fresh salad for a complete meal. This step ensures everyone gets a warm, gooey serving that’s ready to enjoy, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Total prep and cook time is just 45 minutes, perfect for busy schedules. For another pasta favorite, explore our chicken pot pie pasta recipe on the site.