Print

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake
Print Recipe

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and mildly spicy enchilada sauce with pasta. Baked to perfection, it’s perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights, offering a creamy, cheesy twist that everyone will adore.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 cups diced chicken breast

Pasta

  • 8 oz short pasta (penne or rotini)

Sauces & Dairy

  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup diced green chilies

Spices

  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Sliced avocado (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, sauté diced onion and garlic in a large skillet until fragrant. Add the diced chicken breast seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and paprika, cooking until browned and cooked through.
  2. Make the Creamy Enchilada Sauce: Reduce the heat on the skillet and stir in the enchilada sauce and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add diced green chilies for mild heat and extra flavor depth.
  3. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is well coated for maximum flavor.
  4. Assemble and Top with Cheese: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust.
  5. Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just slightly golden on top.

Notes

  • Season Generously: Use enough spices to achieve authentic flavor depth.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions enhance the dish’s flavor.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the bake to sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set.
  • Mix Cheese Blend: Combining cheddar and Monterey Jack creates better melting and complexity.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, enchilada pasta bake, creamy chicken, Mexican-inspired, cheesy pasta bake, easy dinner, baked pasta, family meal

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/creamy-chicken-enchilada-pasta-bake/