Simple Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake Recipe

The Simple Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake Recipe is an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners. Imagine tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and the rich, bold flavors of enchilada sauce all layered with gooey cheddar cheese. This dish effortlessly combines the comfort of a pasta bake with the zest of Mexican-inspired spices, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe delivers vibrant colors, layers of flavor, and a cozy warmth that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward making this delicious meal. Each component plays a vital role in creating a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this recipe so special.

• 12 ounces Rotini Pasta: Corkscrew-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• 2 cups Shredded Chicken: Using cooked, shredded chicken like rotisserie adds convenience and tender texture.
• 1 can Enchilada Sauce (10-15 ounces): The heart of the dish, delivering bold, spicy flavor that ties everything together.
• 15 ounces Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, they add earthy taste and a lovely protein boost.
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese: Shredded for melting into creamy layers and a golden topping.
• 1/2 cup Green Onions: Chopped for a fresh, mild onion flavor and garnish.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions gently, adding richness without overpowering.
• 1/4 cup Cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
• 1 teaspoon Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth that complements the enchilada sauce perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder: Enhances the dish with a subtle smoky heat.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, balancing and elevating all the flavors.

How to Make Simple Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your bake will cook evenly and the cheese topping will bubble into a beautiful golden crust by the time it’s done.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—usually 8 to 10 minutes. This texture keeps the pasta sturdy enough to hold all the saucy goodness without becoming mushy.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped green onions and let them soften for 2-3 minutes. This step gently releases their flavor and aroma, setting the stage for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 4: Add and Heat Chicken

Next, stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This warms the chicken through and helps it absorb some of the onion flavors, making every bite more cohesive and flavorful.

Step 5: Simmer Sauce and Beans

Pour in the enchilada sauce, then add the drained black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together thoroughly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors and thicken slightly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, folding everything into one delicious mixture. This is where the magic happens, as your pasta soaks up the spicy, saucy goodness making the dish irresistible.

Step 7: Mix in Cheese

Reserve one cup of cheddar cheese for the topping. Then stir half of the remaining cheese into the pasta mixture to create those melty layers of indulgence throughout the bake.

Step 8: Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer your cheesy, flavorful mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures it bakes uniformly and gets that lovely, crusty edge we all love.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top, creating a golden, bubbling blanket that seals in moisture and adds that irresistible cheesy crunch after baking.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that beautiful bubbling and golden brown color on the cheese. That’s the cue that your Simple Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake Recipe is ready to come out.

Step 11: Garnish

Take the bake out and let it cool for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle. Then sprinkle with fresh cilantro and the remaining green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

This dish is meant to be savored while hot, so dive in right away and enjoy the luscious blend of textures and flavors!

How to Serve Simple Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like fresh cilantro and chopped green onions after baking truly elevates the dish. They introduce a fresh brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and spicy sauce.

Side Dishes

Complement the pasta bake with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy lime vinaigrette or some warm, buttery corn on the cob. These fresh sides balance the comforting heaviness of the bake with refreshing crunch and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to add a creamy or zesty brightness that keeps things exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Simple Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and ready for a quick reheat.

Freezing

You can also freeze this pasta bake for up to 2 months. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover the dish to prevent drying out and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is great because it holds sauce well, penne or elbow macaroni would also work nicely. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it remains al dente.

Is shredded rotisserie chicken the best option?

Using rotisserie chicken really speeds up prep and adds great flavor, but you can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs too. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the sauce.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, corn, or even sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini to keep it hearty and delicious.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is mild to medium because of the enchilada sauce and chili powder. You can adjust the heat by choosing a mild or spicy enchilada sauce or adding extra chili powder if you like it hotter.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can mix all the ingredients and assemble the bake a day in advance; just keep it covered in the fridge and bake right before serving to keep everything fresh and melty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and delightfully cheesy dish to brighten up your dinner rotation, the Simple Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s straightforward to make but packed with personality, and it brings that wonderful feeling of homemade goodness without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a go-to favorite for busy nights or casual get-togethers alike. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!

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