1. In large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey or chicken and stir, breaking into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink and juices run clear.
2. Add taco seasoning and stir to distribute evenly. Add corn, tomatoes and olives. Stir to heat through. Keep warm.
3. Prepare pasta according to package directions. When pasta is ready, remove 1/2 cup of the cooking water, set aside and drain pasta.
4. In large bowl, toss hot pasta with turkey or chicken mixture and the reserved cooking water. Add cheese, stirring until soft.
5. Serve in bowls with tortilla chips on the side.

This recipe is also available on our Hispanic website, Mac & Queso Monterey.

Monterey Mac & Cheese

Average User Ratings:

Monterey Mac & Cheese
By Berty Lare | June 11, 2009, 7:38 pm | Warren, NJ

I have used this type recipe for most of 50 years. Very tasty, easy to make, loved by everyone, especially kids.
Can be made with so many different veggies .
Just use any ground chicken, beef, turkey, lots of fresh/frozen vegetables and tomatos. Top or mix with cheese. love it!!!
Can be premade & frozen for busy days .
Also recommend using chunk chicken and add pineapple chunks.

Monterey Mac & Cheese
By Sherry M. | August 11, 2008, 11:42 am | Laurel, DE

This is a great recipe with excellent taste when feeding a crowd! Simple yet it looks and tastes great!! I used ground chicken. What a treat!

Monterey Mac & Cheese
By Joanne | February 13, 2007, 8:34 am | Dracut, MA

This recipe was excellent - lots of flavor and easy to make. Next time I will try the diced tomatoes with green chiles to give it a little more kick.

Monterey Mac & Cheese
By Joanne | February 13, 2007, 8:30 am | Dracut, MA

This recipe was excellent - it was easy to make and had a very unique flavor - I will definately make it again, but I think I would use the dices tomatoes with green chiles to give it a little more kick.

Monterey Mac & Cheese
By Peter Goodman | January 4, 2007, 4:34 pm | Edgewater, FL

Easy, Affordable way to dance with your taste bud's . Perdue rules when it comes to value !!!

Monterey Mac & Cheese
By Randy Miller | October 17, 2006, 9:07 am | Kent, CT

My kind of comfort food. Very flavorful, and a meal in one pan! Great leftovers-equally good the next day.