Creamy Chicken Salsa Pasta Bake Recipe: Simple Fiesta Comfort

Sizzling weeknight dinners demand a mouthwatering creamy chicken salsa pasta bake that brings serious flavor to the table.

Packed with zesty salsa and tender chicken, this dish promises a delightful twist on classic pasta casseroles.

Melted cheese blankets perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger.

The combination of bold spices and creamy sauce makes this recipe a standout dinner option.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this simple yet incredibly delicious one-pan wonder.

Each forkful delivers a burst of robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible pasta bake and transform an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Chicken Salsa Pasta Bake Ingredient Essentials

• Angel Hair Pasta: Delicate, thin pasta that soaks up flavors beautifully and provides a silky texture to the dish.
• Cooked Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that adds heartiness and makes the meal satisfying.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Velvety base that creates rich, comforting creaminess and deepens overall taste.
• Sour Cream: Tangy ingredient that adds smooth consistency and brightens the entire casserole.
• Salsa: Zesty condiment bringing vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors and fresh tomato notes.
• Taco Seasoning: Spice blend that infuses the dish with bold, southwestern warmth and complexity.

• Mexican Cheese Blend: Melty, golden topping that creates irresistible crispy edges and rich cheesy flavor.
• Dried Parsley: Subtle herb that adds a pop of color and gentle earthy undertone to the finished dish.

Tools That Help with Creamy Chicken Salsa Pasta Bake

• Large pot: For cooking pasta and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: To drain pasta thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for assembling and baking the pasta.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing pasta mixture.
• Nonstick aluminum foil: Covers dish during baking to prevent burning.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking in the baking dish.
• Chef's knife: For chopping chicken if needed.

Putting Together Creamy Chicken Salsa Pasta Bake

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Warmup

Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Pasta Foundation

Cook the angel hair pasta until it reaches that perfect tender texture, then drain completely and return to the pot.

• Flavor Fusion

Mix together your tender chicken, creamy soup, zesty salsa, tangy sour cream, half the cheese, and spicy seasoning until everything is beautifully combined.

• Cheese Crown

Transfer the delightful mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Shower the top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle a touch of dried parsley for a pop of color.

• Baking Magic

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the warm oven. Let it bake for about 25 minutes until the entire dish is hot and bubbling with excitement, promising a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Enhance Creamy Chicken Salsa Pasta Bake Easily

• Pasta Perfection Techniques
• Cheese Lover's Tip: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to add extra zesty flavor to your pasta bake. Each cheese variety brings a unique twist to the dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the salsa type from mild to hot depending on your heat preference. Mild salsa works great for kids, while spicy versions satisfy those craving more kick.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based protein crumbles for a versatile meal that suits different dietary needs. Each protein option delivers delicious results.
• Veggie Boost Hack: Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or chopped spinach before baking. These additions create a more colorful and nutrient-packed casserole without changing the core flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve, making meal planning a breeze for busy families.

Plating Creamy Chicken Salsa Pasta Bake Creatively

• Fiesta Fresh Side Salad: Crisp mixed greens topped with diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, and a zesty lime vinaigrette perfectly complement the creamy pasta's spicy undertones.
• Zinger Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crispy breadcrumbs over the baked dish to add a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy pasta texture.
• Cooling Cream Drizzle: Add a quick dollop of cool sour cream or fresh Greek yogurt on top right before serving to balance the salsa's heat and create a gorgeous presentation.
• Pepper Power Garnish: Scatter chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeño slices for an extra burst of color and a flavor punch that enhances the Mexican-inspired profile of the dish.

Save Creamy Chicken Salsa Pasta Bake Like a Chef

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Slice and cook extra chicken during initial preparation, storing portions in sealed containers for quick future meals like salads, wraps, or repeating this delicious pasta bake.
• Refrigeration Pro Tips: Cool the entire dish completely before storing in airtight containers. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Separate individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunch options.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to original cooking time to ensure thorough heating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, use the oven at 350°F, covering with foil to prevent cheese from burning and maintain moisture. Add a splash of water or extra salsa to refresh the sauce's creamy texture.

Spicy Chicken Salsa Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering chicken salsa pasta bake delivers robust Mexican-inspired flavors straight to dinner tables. Hearty pasta layers combine zesty ingredients with rich cheese, promising a satisfying meal eager diners will crave.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
• 8 oz (226 g) angel hair pasta
• 2 (10 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup salsa
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• Dried parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil angel hair pasta until al dente, then drain thoroughly, returning noodles to the cooking pot.
3. Flavor Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, condensed soup, salsa, sour cream, half the cheese, and taco seasoning with pasta, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed and thoroughly incorporated.
4. Assembly: Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly and topping with remaining cheese and a light sprinkle of dried parsley.
5. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, ensuring the casserole is heated through and cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose angel hair for quick cooking and delicate texture, but whole wheat or gluten-free options work equally well.
• Chicken Choice: Use rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and time-saving convenience, or quickly shred leftover grilled chicken.
• Cheese Strategy: Mix different cheese varieties like cheddar and monterey jack for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Spice Control: Adjust taco seasoning intensity based on personal heat preference – mild for kids, spicier for adventurous palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg