Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner hero: the Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe! This vibrant, cheesy casserole brings together succulent shredded chicken, tender pasta, bold Tex-Mex flavors, and melty cheese into one gloriously comforting bake. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want to jazz up Tuesday night, this dish delivers on crowd-pleasing flavor, ease, and a fiesta for the eyes. If you love a meal that feels special but won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, make this your go-to recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe has its own delicious job—giving you the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, hearty, and colorful. Best of all, you probably have most of these ingredients already waiting in your pantry or fridge!
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully while adding lovely texture to each bite.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but any cooked chicken works for juicy, flavorful protein.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the onions and pepper, bringing out their sweetness.
- Small onion, diced: Adds savory depth and a little crunch.
- Red bell pepper, diced: Gives a sweet pop of color and mild flavor.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz can, undrained): Lends tang, spice, and a little extra sauciness.
- Black beans (15 oz can, drained and rinsed): Adds heartiness, protein, and fiber to the casserole.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): The sweet kernels bring pops of color and contrast to every forkful.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet or 2 tablespoons homemade): Packs in all the Tex-Mex spice you crave—smoky, bold, and vibrant.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds creamy tang and ties all the flavors together.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): For golden, oozy, irresistible cheesiness.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out all the flavors—don’t forget to taste and adjust!
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish): Add herbs and a little heat for restaurant-worthy flair.
How to Make Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your kitchen warms with anticipation, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your penne or rotini pasta and cook until just al dente—it’s important not to overcook since the pasta will spend more time in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside while you prep the flavorful filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper, letting them sizzle and soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. The smell alone is worth the step—softened veggies add sweetness and a beautiful color foundation for everything to come!
Step 3: Build the Tex-Mex Filling
Now, stir in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies (don’t drain!), black beans, corn, and your taco seasoning packet. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This is where the heart of the Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe comes alive with bold, spicy goodness.
Step 4: Creamy Magic and Cheese Layering
Remove the skillet from heat and blend in your sour cream—it makes the mixture so luscious and creamy! Next, fold in the cooked pasta along with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until every noodle is coated and the colors are popping.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your cheesy, loaded mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing everything out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses across the top (trust me, it’s worth it for that golden, bubbly finish). Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey, bubbly perfection and the edges start to lightly brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you love a pop of color and extra flavor, scatter fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños over the hot casserole before serving. Let everyone dig in while the cheese is still melted and glorious!
How to Serve Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh cilantro and a scatter of sliced jalapeños provide the perfect finish—adding fresh zing and a hit of heat to the creamy, cheesy comfort underneath. Add a few lime wedges for a citrusy twist, or a dollop of extra sour cream for those who love a little coolness alongside spice.
Side Dishes
This Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe shines alongside a crisp green salad with avocado, crunchy tortilla chips, or even a simple side of Mexican-style rice. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, cornbread or a tangy slaw are great partners to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the hot, cheesy casserole into individual serving bowls for a cozy touch, or serve it family-style in the center of the table for ultimate sharing. For a fun twist, stuff leftovers into burritos or use as a topping for baked potatoes. The festive colors and melty cheese look glorious in any dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe is a treat for future you! Simply transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even more delicious as they meld together.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream. Just assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen at 375°F, adding about 15 extra minutes, or thaw overnight for a shorter bake time. It’s perfect for meal prepping or gifting to a friend in need of comfort food!
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through. Individual portions can also be microwaved—just add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist, and heat in 1-minute intervals until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini work beautifully, any short pasta shape such as fusilli, shells, or even bowties will hold up well under all that Tex-Mex sauce and cheese.
How spicy is the Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe?
The spice level is mild to medium, thanks to the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you want more heat, swap Monterey Jack for pepper Jack or add extra jalapeños; if you prefer less, use regular diced tomatoes instead.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can completely assemble the Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe up to 24 hours ahead—just refrigerate, then bake, adding 5 to 10 minutes more to the baking time to compensate for the chilled ingredients.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Totally! Leave out the chicken and add extra beans, more corn, or even some sautéed zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian version that’s every bit as hearty and flavorful.
What are some fun ways to use leftovers?
Leftovers are endlessly versatile—try stuffing them into bell peppers, spooning over nachos, or even serving cold for lunch the next day. The casserole’s bold flavors only get better as they meld, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Final Thoughts
With this Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe in your pocket, you’re always just one bake away from a table full of smiles. It’s simple, festive, and loaded with flavor—perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime you want to add a little fiesta to your life. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
Print
Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake is a Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines tender pasta with flavorful chicken, beans, corn, and a blend of cheeses. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare chicken mixture: Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil. Add chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Stir in sour cream.
- Combine: Mix in cooked pasta and half of the cheeses.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and jalapeños if desired before serving hot.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
- You can make it ahead and refrigerate before baking—just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
- For extra spice, use hot diced tomatoes or pepper jack cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
