Name: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or similar); 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel); 4 oz cream cheese; ½ cup sour cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz); 1 small onion, diced (optional); 1 bell pepper, diced (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is everything you want in a comforting, one-dish dinner. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein and veggies. It’s also easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients and makes for excellent leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or hosting a crowd, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
Pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta)
Canned black beans
Canned corn
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Taco seasoning
Onion (optional)
Bell peppers (optional)
Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and bell peppers if using, until softened.
Add the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and sour cream. Stir until everything is melted and combined into a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix to evenly coat with the sauce.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Low-Carb: Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and double the beans or add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
Beef Version: Substitute ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.
Topping Twist: Add crushed tortilla chips or jalapeño-flavored chips on top before baking for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This casserole also freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time on prep.

What kind of pasta is best for this casserole?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni hold up well and catch the sauce nicely.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has a mild kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake when ready.

How do I make it creamier?

Add a little milk or a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick before baking.

What cheese works best?

Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack all melt beautifully and add great flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole before baking?

Yes, assemble it fully without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?

No, baking it uncovered helps the cheese brown nicely, but you can cover it with foil if you prefer a softer top.

What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms all work well in this dish.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese substitutes to make a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole is a bold, satisfying dish that’s full of comforting flavors and Tex-Mex flair. It’s quick to assemble, feeds a crowd, and stores beautifully for later meals. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole brings the party to your table every time.

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole