Save to Pinterest A comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, zesty salsa, and melted cheese for a family-friendly weeknight meal.
This dish has become a staple in my household because it combines ease of preparation with bold flavors that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or rotini pasta (regular or gluten-free)
- Chicken: 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g / 14 oz) diced, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Sauce: 2 cups (500 ml) tomato salsa (mild or spicy as preferred), 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- Cheese: 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Vegetables & Garnish: 1 small red bell pepper diced, 1/2 red onion diced, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken paprika cumin salt and pepper. Cook for 5 6 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Step 4:
- Add the diced bell pepper and red onion to the skillet sauté for 2 3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat.
- Step 5:
- In a large bowl combine cooked pasta chicken and veggies salsa sour cream and chicken broth. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Step 6:
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Top with the remaining pasta mixture then sprinkle with the rest of the cheeses.
- Step 7:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8:
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together around the table, sharing smiles and stories over a hearty meal.
Notes
Black beans or corn can be added for extra texture. Pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Mixing bowl 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish Knife and cutting board Cheese grater
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (unless using gluten-free pasta) Milk (cheese sour cream) May contain Soy (in processed cheese) check salsa for allergens Always double-check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this easy and delicious baked salsa chicken pasta for a flavorful weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rotini are ideal as their shapes hold the sauce well, but gluten-free options work too.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, using mild or spicy salsa controls heat, and adding jalapeños increases spice further.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook diced chicken over medium-high heat just until browned, then bake with the sauce to keep it juicy.
- → Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses for a lighter version.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely, black beans, corn, or additional diced vegetables can enhance texture and nutrition.