Save This Chicken Burrito Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for anyone craving a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired meal. It combines tender shredded chicken, protein-packed black beans, and sweet corn with a creamy, salsa-infused sauce that perfectly coats every piece of penne or rigatoni.
Save Whether you are hosting a casual dinner or looking for a reliable weeknight staple, this casserole delivers on both flavor and convenience. The combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese creates a bubbly, golden topping that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 can (400 g/15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups (500 ml) tomato salsa (mild or spicy)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Garnish (optional): Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches / 23x33 cm).
- Step 2
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 4
- Add the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 5
- Stir in salsa and sour cream until combined. Remove from heat.
- Step 6
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the chicken and bean mixture. Add 1 cup cheddar and 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, stirring to combine.
- Step 7
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 8
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 9
- Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges, if desired. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the pasta is cooked only until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly while baking in the oven. For the best melting results, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute cooked turkey or ground beef for chicken if preferred. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. If you want more heat, use a hot salsa or add chopped jalapeños directly into the filling mixture.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this bake warm with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. It pairs beautifully with a side of avocado slices or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and pasta.
Save With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Chicken Burrito Pasta Bake is sure to become a new favorite for busy evenings and casual gatherings alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
- → What pasta works best for this bake?
Penne and rigatoni are ideal because their tubular shapes hold the sauce and filling well. Any short pasta variety like fusilli or farfalle also works nicely.
- → How can I make this spicier?
Use hot salsa instead of mild, add diced jalapeños to the filling, or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend for extra heat.
- → Can I substitute the chicken?
Absolutely. Cooked turkey, ground beef, or shredded pork work wonderfully. For vegetarian versions, use extra beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 180°C oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. The dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
- → Is this gluten-free?
Not with regular pasta, but easily made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free pasta and ensuring your salsa brand is also gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten.