Cheesy Chicken Poblano Penne Bake

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and cheesy pasta bake, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Poblano Penne Bake. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that combines tender diced chicken, smoky poblano peppers, sweet corn, and a luscious blend of cheeses all baked to bubbly perfection. The creamy texture paired with a gentle kick from the poblano and chili powder makes each bite utterly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for leftovers, this dish delivers big on taste and ease.

Top Reasons to Make Cheesy Chicken Poblano Penne Bake

• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples and fresh ingredients on hand.
• One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in one casserole dish for easy prep and cleanup.
• Flavor Combo: The smoky poblano peppers and mildly spicy chili powder add excitement without overwhelming heat.
• Protein-Packed: Diced chicken adds satisfying protein, making it a full meal.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy cheesy sauce is a guaranteed hit with picky eaters.
• Make Ahead: Prep in advance and bake when ready for a stress-free dinner.

Ingredient Rundown

• 8 ounces penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and bits of chicken and peppers.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast.
• 2 poblano peppers, diced: Adds mild heat and a smoky flavor, a star ingredient in this bake.
• 1 cup corn kernels: Fresh or frozen works well, providing a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Gives richness and that irresistible melty factor.
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy sauce base that clings to every bite.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle garlicky depth without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory notes throughout the dish.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a gentle warmth and complexity.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced: Sprinkled on top for freshness and a mild onion bite.

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Large pot: For boiling the penne pasta to al dente.
• Large mixing bowl: To combine the sauce ingredients and pasta mixture.
• Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended): To assemble and bake the casserole evenly.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For dicing chicken and poblano peppers.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy in seasoning and dairy components.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: To mix ingredients thoroughly without mashing the pasta.

Cheesy Chicken Poblano Penne Bake: How It’s Done

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Poblano Peppers and Chicken

While the pasta cooks, dice the poblano peppers into small pieces. If you want a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, Peppers, and Corn

Add the drained penne pasta, diced chicken, poblano peppers, and corn kernels into the bowl with the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently to coat all the ingredients in the cheesy mixture.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Transfer to Baking Dish

Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream alternatives, and shredded vegan cheese blends.
• Gluten-Free: Swap penne pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, corn, or legumes.
• Chicken Alternatives: For plant-based diets, replace chicken with sautéed tofu or chickpeas.
• Spice Sensitivity: Reduce or omit chili powder and poblano peppers if you prefer a milder flavor.

Troubles You Can Avoid

• Mushy Pasta: Don’t overcook the penne before baking; al dente pasta holds up better in the oven.
• Watery Bake: Thoroughly drain the pasta and avoid adding extra liquid to prevent sogginess.
• Uneven Cooking: Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure uniform baking.
• Bland Flavor: Don’t skip seasoning the sauce properly; garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder add essential depth.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

Planning ahead? This Cheesy Chicken Poblano Penne Bake is excellent for make-ahead meals. Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy nights and lets the flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Reader Questions

Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of poblano peppers?

Absolutely! Fresh jalapeños will add more heat than poblanos, so adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. For a milder taste, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing.

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works perfectly in this bake. Just dice the meat and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Can I freeze leftovers of Cheesy Chicken Poblano Penne Bake?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

What can I serve alongside this pasta bake?

A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complement the richness of the bake nicely. For more pasta inspiration, you might enjoy trying the Baked Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta or the flavorful Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake.

What to Make After This

• Baked Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta – Another creamy and cheesy pasta bake with a garlicky twist.
• Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake – For those who love Mexican-inspired flavors in a comforting casserole.
• Roasted Vegetable Lasagna – A hearty, veggie-packed layered pasta dish perfect for meatless nights.
• One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta – A quick and easy stovetop pasta with creamy sauce and chicken.

That’s a Wrap

There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of a bubbling, cheesy casserole straight out of the oven, and this Cheesy Chicken Poblano Penne Bake hits all the marks. It’s rich, creamy, mildly spicy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers convenience without compromising flavor. The combination of tender chicken, smoky peppers, sweet corn, and melty cheese is a crowd-pleaser every time. So grab your baking dish and get ready to enjoy a new favorite pasta bake that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

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