Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe
Get ready for a dinner everyone will rave about! The Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe is a colorful, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy casserole packed to the brim with zesty flavors and easy weeknight comfort. With juicy shredded chicken, tender penne, gooey cheese, and a festive blend of beans, corn, and salsa, every bite is like a Mexican-inspired celebration at your kitchen table. Trust me, it’s the type Main Course
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling together this Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe isn’t just fun, it’s simple—especially with this bunch of familiar, fridge and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays a vital role, adding texture, punchy flavor, or a welcome pop of color to the final bake. Let’s dig into what makes this casserole shine!
- Penne Pasta: Holds its shape well and soaks up all that saucy goodness!
- Cooked Chicken Breast (shredded): Rotisserie or leftover chicken means you get juicy, flavorful bites with minimal fuss.
- Black Beans (rinsed and drained): A boost of protein and fiber while giving a creamy, earthy element.
- Frozen Corn (thawed): Adds pockets of sweetness and beautiful color.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings brightness and just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Salsa: Layers on even more flavor; choose your preferred heat level here.
- Taco Seasoning: This spice packet is an instant party, giving the casserole its signature southwestern flair.
- Sour Cream: Makes the sauce rich and creamy, plus helps mellow the spices.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Essential for that melty, bubbly topping everyone loves.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharper cheese pull for extra indulgence.
- Green Onions (sliced): These brighten each bite and make for a pretty garnish.
- Olive Oil: Helps meld flavors in the skillet before baking.
- Salt and Pepper: To enhance every layer of flavor.
- Chopped Cilantro & Jalapeños (optional): For those finishing touches if you love a little extra zest!
How to Make Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s piping hot and ready to go. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a touch of olive oil—this makes serving later a breeze and prevents any sticky situations.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente, around 10 minutes. You want it to have a little bite, since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the shredded chicken, black beans, thawed corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, salsa, and the packet of taco seasoning. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes, just until everything is warmed and mingling. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sour cream—it makes the filling deliciously creamy!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained, cooked pasta to the skillet (or a large bowl if your skillet is packed). Stir to coat every piece of pasta with that irresistible creamy, zesty filling. Don’t worry if the pan looks overflowing; this is a casserole that’s meant to be generous!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese all over the top, then finish with the shredded cheddar for bonus gooeyness. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, with saucy bubbles peeking through the edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle on the sliced green onions, plus chopped cilantro and jalapeños if you love a little spice and fresh flavor. Serve hot and get ready for rounds of applause!
How to Serve Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Topping things off makes all the difference here! Try a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions, a handful of chopped cilantro for color and zing, and sliced jalapeños if you want to amp up the heat. You can even dollop extra sour cream or drizzle hot sauce on top—bring out your inner artist!
Side Dishes
This casserole is a star on its own, but I love serving it alongside a fresh green salad, tangy coleslaw, or a platter of tortilla chips with guacamole. A side of pickled red onions or sliced avocado also adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy flavors of the Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, portion the bake into individual ramekins and garnish each one differently. Hosting a crowd? Serve it family style straight from the bubbling casserole—you could even let everyone build their own plate with toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or crumbled queso fresco. Leftovers also make fantastic “pasta tacos” stuffed into warm tortillas for next-day lunches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers will keep beautifully stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle overnight, making late-night snacking extra tempting!
Freezing
This Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe freezes like a dream. Simply let the bake cool completely, then transfer portions or the whole casserole to a freezer-safe dish wrapped tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for future busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop a portion in the microwave until piping hot, or cover the entire casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to restore that irresistible creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a tried-and-true favorite for this casserole, other short shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni will work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook pasta al dente for the perfect texture.
Is there a vegetarian way to make the Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe?
Certainly! Swap out the chicken for extra black beans, a can of pinto beans, or even some sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly version that still captures all the fiesta flavors.
What’s the best way to make this casserole spicier?
If you like a fiery kick, add diced jalapeños to the filling, choose a hot salsa, or sprinkle in cayenne pepper. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce just before serving also takes things up a notch!
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can put together the entire bake up to a day in advance—just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a lifesaver for busy nights or when you’re entertaining!
Will this recipe feed a crowd?
Definitely! The Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe is perfect for sharing. It generously serves six, but can be easily doubled (or even tripled) for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you want to make people happy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and just a touch of festive fun, give the Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe a whirl. It’s the ultimate go-to when you want something cozy, crowd-pleasing, and delightfully easy. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds—and the recipe!
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Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender pasta, flavorful chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican cheeses, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped cilantro and jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil and add chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir and remove from heat. Mix in sour cream.
- Combine and Bake: Add cooked pasta to the mixture, toss, then spread in the baking dish. Top with cheeses and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe.
- Try enchilada sauce for a flavor variation.
- For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
