Chipotle Cheese Chicken Shell Pasta Bake
Creamy, smoky, and cheesy pasta bake with tender chicken shells that'll have you coming back for seconds.
Total: 50 minPrep: 15 minCook: 35 minServes 6Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 oz uncooked jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp Chipotle seasoning or adobo sauce
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2 Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- 3 In a large bowl, mix chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, sour cream, mayonnaise, and Chipotle seasoning until well combined.
- 4 Add cooked pasta shells to the mixture and gently fold in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- 5 Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- 6 Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- 7 Garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Baking sheet (optional)
Variations
- Substitute ground beef for chicken for a beefy twist.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Substitutions
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you can't find Monterey Jack, substitute with more cheddar cheese.
Pairings
- Cornbread
- Mexican street corn salad
Nutrition
Calories:
550 kcal
Fat:
26g fat
Carbs:
45g carbohydrates
Protein:
30g protein
Fiber:
5g fiber
Sugar:
8g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For extra spice, add more Chipotle adobo sauce to taste.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered with foil at 350°F until hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad.
- Serve with warm tortillas on the side for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Use penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni if shells aren't available.