Description
This creamy chicken spaghetti bake combines tender cooked chicken, angel hair pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce enhanced with Mexican crema and salsa. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole is baked until bubbly and topped with a melted Mexican cheese blend, offering a deliciously satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz angel hair pasta, or any long pasta
- 2 cups cubed, cooked chicken
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 (10 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup salsa
- ¾ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ tbsp taco seasoning
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Cheese
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In the same pot used for cooking pasta, combine the cream of chicken soups, salsa, Mexican crema or sour cream, chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend, taco seasoning, freshly ground pepper, and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley. Stir well to create a creamy sauce base.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce mixture. Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use any long pasta if angel hair is unavailable, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- Mexican crema adds a rich, tangy flavor but sour cream is a good substitute.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding; leftover rotisserie chicken works well.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time by 5-10 minutes if cold from fridge.
