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Fiesta Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful, cheesy casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and zesty salsa blended with creamy sour cream and taco seasoning. This easy 40-minute bake combines comforting pasta with Tex-Mex inspired flavors, topped with melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 ounces fusili pasta, uncooked (or any other pasta shape)
  • 1 cup thick and chunky salsa
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Mix-ins

  • 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)

Cheese and Garnish

  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese (divided, or use all Cheddar)
  • Optional: cilantro or sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the fusili pasta al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and allow to cool slightly. This will yield about 4 cups of cooked pasta.
  2. Prepare Sauce Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the thick and chunky salsa, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the salsa mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly. Then add the drained corn, rinsed black beans, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Toss everything gently to combine the ingredients uniformly.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
  5. Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking the pasta bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your fiesta-inspired chicken pasta bake!

Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and convenience but you can use any cooked shredded chicken.
  • Feel free to substitute the fusili pasta with penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni depending on your preference.
  • For extra heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the salsa mixture.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/fiesta-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe/