Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole

Table of Contents

1. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole Ingredients
2. Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe
4. How To Serve This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole
5. When to Serve Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
6. What to Serve with Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole
7. Storage Tips for Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole
8. Why This is the Best Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. More New Recipes You’ll Love
11. JUMP TO RECIPE

If you’re in the mood for something cheesy, creamy, and spicy, look no further than this jalapeño popper chicken pasta casserole. The decadent dish is an irresistible combination of tender pasta mixed with chicken, crisp bacon, melted cheese, and so much flavor.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole Ingredients

You’ll need these simple ingredients:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup of mayonnaise
• ½ cup of sour cream
• ½ teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• 7.4-ounce jar of diced, pickled jalapeño peppers, drained
• 2 cups of milk
• 2 cups of grated jack cheese, divided in half
• 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, divided in half
• 1 pound of rotini pasta, cooked and drained
• 3 cups of chopped rotisserie chicken meat
• 3 green onions: white and green parts separated, green parts sliced, and white parts diced
• 1 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Fresh jalapeños for garnish

Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole Substitutions and Additions

SOUR CREAM: Using a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise in the filling gives a nice balance of richness and light creaminess. You can substitute all sour cream if preferred in this easy casserole.

JALAPEÑO PEPPER: Using diced, pickled jalapeños is both extremely convenient and also infuses more of that delicious jalapeño flavor into the dish.

You can substitute three freshly diced jalapeño peppers. Remove the seeds and ribs for a milder dish. You could also use serrano peppers.

CHICKEN: Rotisserie chicken makes this dish easy to make. You could also use leftover chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Just chop them up into bite-size pieces and use them instead. You could also use turkey breast.

CHEESE: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A mix of Monterey Jack and Colby can add a nice twist, or for a sharper flavor, try using aged cheddar. Using pepper jack cheese will added even more heat to the dish.

PASTA: Whole wheat pasta is a great substitution and it adds fiber and a nuttier flavor. You could also use another shape of pasta if you’d like.

If you’re following a keto diet and eating low-carb, you could use cauliflower rice.

If you’re gluten-free, there are numerous gluten-free pasta options available that would work well, like rice or corn pasta.

BACON: You can use regular bacon or turkey bacon. You could also substitute bacon bits. You can fry your bacon up in a large skillet on the stovetop or in the oven on a baking sheet.

Be sure to set the bacon on paper towel to remove the excess grease before adding to your casserole.

SPICE: If you’d like to add even more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. You could also add a little paprika or chili powder.

MILK: You could substitute heavy cream or half and half for the milk. This will make it even richer and creamier.

CHICKEN STOCK: You could use a little chicken broth or vegetable stock if you feel like your mixture is too thick.

How To Make This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

For super easy clean up, you can use a foil pan instead of a baking dish for this recipe. With it’s delicious flavor, this hearty casserole will become a new favorite!

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

STEP TWO: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and diced jalapeños.

Use a hand mixer for quick blending.

Continue mixing while gradually adding the milk.

STEP THREE: Add one cup each of cheddar and jack cheeses and stir to combine.

STEP FOUR: In a large mixing bowl, toss together pasta, chicken, the white part of the green onions, and most of the bacon, reserving about half a cup to sprinkle over the top.

STEP FIVE: Add the cream cheese mixture to the pasta mixture and stir gently until the mixture is evenly combined.

STEP SIX: Spread the casserole filling into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

STEP SEVEN: Top with remaining shredded cheese. Sprinkle the reserved bacon and fresh jalapeño slices over the cheese.

STEP EIGHT: Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Remove from the oven and top with freshly sliced green onion. Serve hot.

How To Serve This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole

This casserole is a delicious meal to make for a busy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Add a side salad such as our cucumber salad and our dinner rolls to mop up all that gooey and cheesy sauce.

Spicy jalapeños provide a nice kick to any recipe. Make sure to check out our jalapeño popper grilled cheese and our bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers too.

When to Serve Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

Jalapeno popper chicken pasta casserole is a versatile dish that can be served on various occasions, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.

Here are some ideal times to serve this delicious casserole:

Weeknight Dinners: This casserole is a great option for a hearty weeknight meal. It’s relatively easy to prepare and is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying and flavorful.

Potlucks and Gatherings: Its ease of transportation and the fact that it’s loved by many make this casserole a hit at potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. It’s a dish that can easily feed a large number of people and is a wonderful comfort food.

Game Day or Sports Events: The spicy and cheesy nature of this dish makes it a great fit for game day gatherings or watching sports events with friends and family. It’s a filling meal that goes well with the casual, fun atmosphere of watching a game.

Winter Comfort Food: During the colder months, this warm and hearty casserole is perfect for cozy dinners. Its comforting qualities make it ideal for enjoying on chilly evenings.

Meal Prep: If you like to prepare meals ahead of time, this casserole is a great choice. It reheats well and can be a part of your meal planning for the week.

What to Serve with Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole

It’s a great idea to pair this casserole with side dishes that complement its rich and spicy flavors. Here are some suggestions:

Simple Caesar Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the casserole. You could also make a simple side salad. Include fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuce, and add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing.

Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes. Its buttery, garlicky flavor pairs well with the creamy and spicy casserole, and it’s great for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Roasted Vegetables: Serve the casserole with a side of roasted broccoli, green beans, or a mix of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. These provide a healthy, colorful contrast to the creamy casserole.

Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch and slight acidity that complements the creamy, spicy casserole nicely. You can go for a traditional coleslaw or a vinegar-based one for a lighter option.

Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled, adds a sweet and juicy element that pairs wonderfully with the casserole’s spicy flavors.

Fruit Salad: A light and sweet fruit salad can be a refreshing side, especially if your casserole is particularly spicy. Melons, berries, and citrus fruits make for a good mix.

Baked Beans: A side of baked beans, especially if they’re slightly sweet, can provide a comforting and hearty complement to the casserole.

Grilled Asparagus: Asparagus, especially when grilled and seasoned with a bit of lemon and garlic, adds a sophisticated and flavorful side that’s easy to prepare.

Lemon Rice: For those who prefer a more filling side, a simple serving of lemon rice can absorb the flavors of the casserole while adding a different texture to the meal.

Cornbread: A sweet and moist cornbread makes a perfect side dish for a warm casserole.

Tomato Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber tomato salad with a hint of herbs and a light dressing can provide a cool and crisp counterpoint to the warm, creamy casserole.

Remember, the ideal side dish should balance the flavors and textures of the casserole, adding freshness, lightness, or a contrasting flavor profile to round out the meal.

Storage Tips for Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole

Savoring your jalapeno popper chicken pasta casserole doesn’t have to end with the last bite at dinner. With proper storage, you can enjoy this delicious meal for days. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish for those busy weeknights.

Here’s how you can keep your casserole tasting fresh and delicious, whether you’re planning to eat it soon or saving it for a later date.

MAKE AHEAD: This casserole is a wonderful candidate for making ahead. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since you’ll be starting with a cold casserole. This make-ahead approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an even more flavorful dish.

IN THE FRIDGE: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three to four days. Ensure your casserole is cooled to room temperature before covering it with a lid or wrapping it in foil. This prevents condensation which can make the top soggy.

If your casserole dish doesn’t have a lid, you can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover it tightly, keeping the moisture in and other fridge odors out. You could also transfer it to an airtight container for storage.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing this casserole is a great way to extend its shelf life. Cool the casserole completely and then wrap it securely with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

REHEATING: Reheating your casserole can be done in the oven, microwave, or even in a skillet on the stove.

• OVEN: For oven reheating, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, which usually takes about 20 minutes.
• MICROWAVE: In the microwave, place a serving of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat for two to three minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• SKILLET: If using a skillet, just place a portion in the skillet, add a splash of water or chicken broth, cover, and heat over medium heat until warmed through. Each method will ensure your casserole is as delicious as when it was first baked.

Why This is the Best Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta Casserole

This simple casserole is a dish that’s easy to fall in love with for several reasons:

Flavorful Combination: This casserole combines the creamy, spicy kick of jalapeno poppers with the comforting richness of a chicken pasta dish. The blend of spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese, tender chicken, and pasta creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

Comfort Food Appeal: It epitomizes comfort food with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for days when you crave something hearty and satisfying, this casserole is sure to warm you up and leave you feeling content.

Versatility: It’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. You can tweak the level of spiciness, make it vegetarian, or use different types of pasta and cheeses.

Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is a hit at gatherings, family dinners, or potlucks. Its universally appealing flavors make it popular among both adults and children.

Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive flavors, this casserole is relatively easy to make. It’s a great dish for both experienced cooks and those still getting comfortable in the kitchen.

Make-Ahead Convenience: It can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules. You can assemble it in advance and bake it when you’re ready, which is ideal for stress-free entertaining or meal planning.

Leftovers Taste Great: Not only is the casserole delicious fresh out of the oven, but the leftovers also reheat well, ensuring you have a tasty meal for more than one day.

Customizable: You can add your twist to the recipe by incorporating different ingredients like bacon, different cheeses, or even vegetables to make it your own.

This jalapeño popper chicken casserole recipe is oozing with cheesy goodness, a creamy sauce, and jalapeño peppers, which add a deliciously spicy kick. It will be a huge hit with the entire family for a quick weeknight dinner.

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