I love biting into a warm, cheesy pasta dish with a hint of heat from the jalapeños and the hearty flavor of chicken. The textures and flavors of this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole meld perfectly to create a meal that's both comforting and exciting. It's a dish that beckons you back for seconds and maybe even thirds. So mouthwateringly yummy.
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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
- 250 g ½ pound pasta
- 1 ½ cup rotisserie chicken shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheese shredded
- 2 cups bechamel sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup pickled jalapenos chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup pasta water
- 150 g 5 oz bacon, cut into pieces and cooked until crispy
- ¼ cup scallions sliced
- ½ cup herbed cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water ½ of the time that is listed on the packaging. Set ½ cup of pasta water aside.250 g ½ pound pasta
- Meanwhile in a large bowl combine chicken, 1 cup of cheese, bechamel (or cream of mushroom/chicken soup), garlic powder, jalapenos, pasta water, cream cheese sour cream, scallions, and bacon. Mix well.1 ½ cup rotisserie chicken, 2 cups sharp cheese, 2 cups bechamel sauce, ½ cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ cup pickled jalapenos, ½ cup pasta water, 150 g 5 oz bacon, cut into pieces and cooked until crispy, ½ cup herbed cream cheese, ¼ cup scallions
- Add pasta into the creamy sauce base and stir to combine. Transfer into a large baking pan, top with more cheese.salt and pepper to taste
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 250 g (½ pound) pasta
- 1 ½ cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheese, shredded
- 2 cups bechamel sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup pasta water
- 150 g (5 oz) bacon, cut into pieces and cooked until crispy
- ¼ cup scallions, sliced
- ½ cup herbed cream cheese
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water ½ of the time that is listed on the packaging. Set ½ cup of pasta water aside.
Meanwhile in a large bowl combine chicken, 1 cup of cheese, bechamel (or cream of mushroom/chicken soup), garlic powder, jalapeños, pasta water, cream cheese, sour cream, scallions, and bacon. Mix well.
Add pasta into the creamy sauce base and stir to combine. Transfer into a large baking pan, top with more cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
While this casserole is a star on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are a few suggestions:
Fresh Green Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to complement the flavors.
Garlic Bread
Nothing beats the classic combination of pasta and garlic bread. The crunchy, buttery goodness of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.
Steamed Vegetables
For a healthier option, serve the casserole with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The freshness of the veggies adds a delightful contrast to the dish.
⏲️Chef's Tip
To ensure your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole is nothing short of spectacular, follow these enhanced chef's tips:
Select Quality Ingredients
Opt for the highest quality ingredients you can find. Fresh ingredients, such as ripe jalapeños and premium cheese, significantly enhance the overall flavor of your dish. Organic chicken and dairy products can also elevate the meal's richness and authenticity.
Perfect Your Heat Level
Customizing the heat to your liking is key. To retain the jalapeños' flavor while minimizing spice, deseed and devein them thoroughly before chopping. For those who enjoy an extra kick, incorporate a variety of spicy elements such as fresh jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or even some finely diced habaneros.
Cheese Combinations for Depth
Don’t limit yourself to sharp cheddar; experimenting with a blend of cheeses introduces complex flavors to your casserole. Try combining sharp cheddar with creamy Monterey Jack, smoky Gouda, or tangy feta for a multi-dimensional cheese experience.
Enhance with Homemade Sauces
Enhance the casserole’s flavor by preparing a homemade bechamel sauce. Making it from scratch allows you to control the consistency and richness, ensuring a perfectly creamy base. Adding a hint of nutmeg to the sauce can introduce a subtle, aromatic undertone that elevates the dish.
Add Fresh Herbs
Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives into the dish or as a garnish. Herbs add a burst of freshness and color, creating a more visually appealing and flavorful result.
Crispy Toppings
For added texture, consider sprinkling crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top before baking. This creates a delightful crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole.
By following these enhanced tips, you’ll not only prepare a delicious Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole but also master the nuances that make this dish unforgettable. Experiment, taste, and enjoy the process as you create a comforting and flavorsome culinary delight.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven until heated through and bubbly.
Is It Possible to Freeze the Casserole?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Wrap the assembled but unbaked casserole in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What Can I Use Instead of Bechamel Sauce?
If you don't have bechamel sauce on hand, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Both options will give you a creamy consistency.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
You know what does it for me? Cheese. I just love a creamy, cheesy casserole. They're perfection in a baking dish. So, if you're anything like me, before you run off, check out these amazing cheese-based casseroles:
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