chicken enchilada pasta recipe

The Best chicken enchilada pasta recipe

I’ve been making this chicken enchilada pasta recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful enchilada sauce, and al dente pasta is a winner. I love how easy it is to make, too – just cook the pasta according to the package, brown some chicken in a skillet, and then toss everything together with some canned enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.

It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra veggies in – just add some diced bell peppers or chopped spinach to the skillet with the chicken for added nutrition. My kids love helping me make this recipe, too – they’re always excited to stir the pasta and sauce together until it’s all coated and delicious.

And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good casserole? This one’s a crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. I like to serve it hot, garnished with some fresh cilantro or scallions for added flavor and color.

This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out! The best part is that it’s so versatile – you can customize it to your taste by adding different types of cheese, meats, or veggies. I’ve even used leftover rotisserie chicken to make this recipe on busy weeknights when I don’t have time to cook from scratch.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients – don’t skimp on the cheese or use low-sodium broth if you want the best flavor results. And don’t forget to serve it with some crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side for dipping into that delicious enchilada sauce! My family loves this recipe so much that we’ve even made it for holiday gatherings – it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your guests.

Chicken Enchilada Pasta

4.5 from 737 votes

A comforting and flavorful dish that combines the best of enchiladas and pasta, featuring tender chicken and a rich, spicy sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 650 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sliced avocado
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4Meanwhile place a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add minced garlic and diced jalapeño to the skillet.
6Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7Stir in shredded cheese and sour cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
8Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9Serve the chicken enchilada pasta hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and additional shredded cheese if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Pasta pot
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 650 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

Tips: For added heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño. You can substitute ground turkey for chicken. Serve with a side of warm tortilla chips.

This chicken enchilada pasta recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for company. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily adaptable it is – feel free to add your favorite veggies or meats to suit your tastes!

When storing leftovers, be sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking and consume within three days. For reheating ideas, try microwaving individual portions until hot through (about 30-60 seconds), or bake in foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).

Serving suggestions include garnishing with fresh cilantro or scallions for added flavor and color.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?

A: Yes, you can use ground beef instead of chicken if you prefer. Simply brown the beef in a skillet until it’s fully cooked, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed.

Q: What type of pasta should I use?

A: You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe – penne, fusilli, farfalle – whatever suits your taste! Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding the sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the sauce and cooking the pasta separately before assembling everything together. Simply refrigerate or freeze the components until you’re ready to serve.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Unfortunately not – since this recipe includes chicken as a main ingredient. However, you can easily modify it by substituting in cooked vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.

Q: Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

A: Absolutely! While making your own enchilada sauce from scratch is delicious, store-bought options are convenient and still taste great. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium option if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Q: How do I reheat leftover casserole?

A: To reheat leftover casserole, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

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