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Cheesy Tortilla Chicken Pasta Bake

This Cheesy Tortilla Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy dinner with a zesty salsa kick and crunchy tortilla chip topping—perfect for quick weeknight meals!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper a gentle kick to elevate the dish
  • 1 cup tortilla chips crushed

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup salsa, and 1 cup sour cream. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  • Fold in the cooked pasta along with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will start melting into the warm pasta, so make sure everything is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips over the top to create that signature crispy topping.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the tortilla topping turns golden brown.
  • Let the Cheesy Tortilla Chicken Pasta Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests, making each bite a delightful experience.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Colander
  • Oven mitts

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and added flavor.
  • To keep the topping crunchy, crush tortilla chips finely and bake uncovered.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.