Description
Sizzling Mexican-inspired flavors mingle in this creamy chicken salsa pasta bake, creating a comforting dinner with zesty charm. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and spicy salsa combine for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
Pasta and Base:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) angel hair pasta
- 2 (10 ounces) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup sour cream
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to a moderate temperature, preparing a rectangular baking vessel with a light coating of nonstick spray to ensure easy release.
- Cook the delicate angel hair pasta in rapidly boiling water until it reaches a perfect tender-yet-firm consistency, then carefully drain away excess liquid.
- Return the pasta to the cooking pot and introduce a medley of complementary ingredients: tender shredded chicken pieces, creamy condensed soup, zesty salsa, tangy sour cream, half the cheese blend, and aromatic taco seasoning.
- Thoroughly blend all components until they create a harmonious, well-incorporated mixture with an even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Gently transfer the pasta creation into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer and generously crown the top with the remaining cheese blend.
- Optional: Dust the surface with dried parsley to enhance visual appeal and introduce a subtle herbaceous note.
- Shield the dish with nonstick aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Bake until the entire dish reaches a piping hot temperature and the cheese melts into a tempting, molten blanket, typically around 25 minutes.
Notes
- Prep ahead by cooking chicken and pasta in advance to save time during busy weeknights.
- Customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or spicy salsa based on your family’s preference.
- Substitute angel hair pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini if desired.
- Enhance protein content by adding black beans or corn to the mixture for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg