About This Recipe
You know those nights when you simply want something warm, cheesy, delicious and easy enough to throw together after your day is done? That is how this Fiesta Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe entered my kitchen. I made it for the first time, after a long crazy day of errands, I was ready to call for take-out when I realized I still had some leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge and half a box of pasta in the pantry. After playing with some Tex-Mex ingredients, and can't forget the cheese (life is better with cheese), I threw it together and popped it in the oven. Thirty minutes later — voila — comfort food to perfection.
Tools for Fiesta Chicken Pasta Bake
To make this bold and cheesy Fiesta Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe, you’ll need a 9x13 baking dish, skillet, and a few basic mixing tools. I’ve linked some trusted kitchen gear—perfect for layered bakes and everyday meals. A grater is great if you’re shredding cheese fresh (which I totally recommend for the best melt!).
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta (cooked al dente)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftovers)
1 cup chunky salsa
1 cup sour cream
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1 ½ cups frozen corn (thawed)
1 cup bell peppers (chopped, any color)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Extra cheese
Sliced jalapeños
Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine salsa, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Stir until well blended.
Step 3
Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, corn, bell peppers, and half of the cheese to the bowl. Mix everything until evenly coated.
Step 4
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
Step 5
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 6
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and optional toppings like jalapeños or tortilla chips. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
510
Saturated Fat
8g
Carbs
48g
Sugars
6g
Protein
32g
Sodium
730mg
Fiber
4g
Secret Tips
Freshly grated cheese: Skip the pre-shredded stuff — it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a shortcut that adds major flavor without the extra work.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Boil it until just al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Let it rest: After baking, give it 10 minutes to cool slightly so everything sets up nicely.
Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a shortcut that adds major flavor without the extra work.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Boil it until just al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Let it rest: After baking, give it 10 minutes to cool slightly so everything sets up nicely.
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