Are you tired of boring, bland pasta dishes that leave you wanting more? Prepare to have your taste buds ignited with the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines the creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeno poppers with hearty chicken pasta! This recipe is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that will transform your weeknight dinner from mundane to extraordinary. With the perfect balance of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a kick of jalapeno heat, this dish is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup jalapenos, diced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1/2 cup of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of diced jalapenos. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Once the pasta is drained, add it to the bowl with the chicken mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil (optional) to help them crisp up. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta dish for added texture.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. Garnish with additional diced jalapenos or chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve the Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta warm, and enjoy your delicious American-inspired meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly shredded chicken instead of pre-packaged. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully!
- Adjust jalapeno quantity based on your spice tolerance - remove seeds for less heat.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most luxurious texture.
- Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet before topping for extra crunch.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack for added zest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
