Chipotle Cheese Chicken Penne Bake
Creamy, smoky, and cheesy, this penne bake is a fiesta in your mouth.
Total: 50 minPrep: 15 minCook: 35 min6 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 Cook penne according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- 3 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- 4 Stir in black beans, corn, and green chiles; cook for 2 minutes.
- 5 In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle chili powder, and cumin. Mix well.
- 6 Add cooked penne and chicken mixture to the bowl. Stir in Monterey Jack and half of the cheddar cheese.
- 7 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 8 Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- 9 Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- 10 Garnish with green onions before serving.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Oven
Variations
- Add diced tomatoes for extra moisture and flavor.
- Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option.
Substitutions
- If you can't find Monterey Jack, use extra cheddar cheese.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Pairings
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Corn tortillas
Nutrition
Calories:
650 kcal
Fat:
30g fat
Carbs:
45g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
5g fiber
Sugar:
5g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For extra spice, add more chipotle chili powder to taste.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad.
- Pairs well with a cold Mexican lager.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, use your favorite short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and add extra beans or veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.