Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe
Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and hearty baked pasta dish combining rotini, chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty mixture of sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a satisfying blend of Tex-Mex flavors topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Sauce
- 2½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet mild taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water (about 1 teaspoon salt) until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it to retain starch for better sauce adherence.
- Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until evenly mixed to create a flavorful sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta into the sauce mixture and stir well to coat. Then fold in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, cooked chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheese, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and evenly spread it out. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing everything to meld and heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with extra sour cream, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices before serving. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Use mild taco seasoning for a balanced flavor, or substitute with medium/hot for more spice.
- Salt the pasta water well to enhance the overall dish seasoning.
- Do not rinse the pasta after cooking to help the sauce stick better.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, making this dish suitable for meal prepping.
- Optional garnishes like avocado and cilantro add freshness and texture contrast.
Keywords: Fiesta Chicken Casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, chicken casserole, baked pasta casserole, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, easy dinner, weeknight meal
Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/fiesta-chicken-casserole-recipe/
