Fiesta Chicken Casserole

This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly comfort dish that’s both hearty and bursting with bold flavors. Combining tender rotini pasta with a creamy, zesty sauce and loaded with chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. The dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or for feeding a large group. It’s a fun twist on traditional taco flavors, baked into a cheesy, comforting casserole that everyone will love. The best part? It’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 packet mild taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
• 2½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray and set it aside.

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta but do not rinse. Salting the pasta water helps infuse flavor into the pasta.

1. Mix the Creamy Sauce:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Once the pasta is drained, immediately stir it into the creamy sour cream mixture. Then, add the corn, black beans, cooked chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with tin foil.

1. Bake:

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, covered. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• For extra flavor and color, garnish with sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices if desired.

1. Storing Leftovers:

• Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy again.

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Tips for Perfect Fiesta Chicken Casserole:

• Chicken Options: This recipe works well with any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even shredded chicken breast. It’s a great way to use up leftovers.
• Pasta Choice: While rotini pasta is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni based on what you have on hand.
• Make it Spicy: For those who love extra heat, you can use a spicier salsa or add in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mix.
• Topping Variations: Elevate your casserole by adding crunchy toppings like crushed tortilla chips or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco after baking.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or chopped spinach for an extra nutrient boost.

This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a delicious blend of taco flavors and cheesy pasta, making it a hit at any dinner table. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or for meal prepping ahead of time!