Name: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 12 oz rotini or penne pasta; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel); 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish); 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up
Full of bold, southwest-inspired flavors
Perfect for using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
Customizable with your favorite add-ins
Creamy and cheesy with a perfect blend of spices
Hearty and filling for any time of the year
Reheats beautifully for leftovers
A fun twist on traditional pasta casseroles

Ingredients

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

Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
Rotini or penne pasta
Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Taco seasoning
Black beans (drained and rinsed)
Corn (frozen or canned)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, taco seasoning, black beans, and corn.
Stir in the cooked pasta and mix until well combined.
Add half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the mixture and stir.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Garnish with green onions and cilantro if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
Swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten it up.
Use different cheese blends like Pepper Jack for added spice.
Stir in cooked spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and doubling the beans.
Add a crunchy topping by sprinkling crushed tortilla chips over the cheese before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add extra diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicier variety of diced tomatoes with chilies to kick up the heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni will work well in this recipe.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. It freezes beautifully either before or after baking. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped.

What type of chicken works best?

Cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh meat will work.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Definitely. Homemade taco seasoning works just as well and lets you control the spice level and sodium content.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Don’t overbake it, and keep it covered with foil during reheating to retain moisture.

Can I substitute cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, or make a homemade version if you prefer.

What toppings go well with this casserole?

Try sliced avocado, chopped green onions, cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or crushed tortilla chips.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free pasta and ensure the soup and taco seasoning are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that combines the comforting appeal of a creamy pasta bake with the bold flavors of a Tex-Mex fiesta. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals ahead, or simply craving a cheesy, satisfying dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or as leftovers—either way, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.