Description
Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole is a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired dish packed with chicken, pasta, beans, veggies, creamy sauce, and melty cheese. It’s a one-dish wonder perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper (if using) until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and sour cream. Stir until cream cheese is melted and sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to evenly coat.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep shortcut.
- To make creamier, stir in a splash of milk or broth if sauce seems thick.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- This dish freezes well either before or after baking.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
