Description
Creamy baked pasta loaded with seasoned chicken, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. A fast, comforting dinner for busy nights.
Ingredients
1 pound dry pasta (rotini or penne)
10 ounces processed American-style cheese, cubed
2 ½ cups shredded cheese, divided
1 cup milk
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
19 ounces enchilada sauce
1 small can diced green chiles
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Optional: cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
3. Melt cubed cheese, ½ cup shredded cheese, and milk in the microwave until smooth.
4. Stir pasta into cheese sauce until coated.
5. Mix chicken, enchilada sauce, chiles, butter, taco seasoning, and garlic powder.
6. Combine chicken mixture with pasta.
7. Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
8. Bake uncovered 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
9. Rest briefly before serving with optional toppings.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta before baking. For extra spice, use hot enchilada sauce or add jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American