Ingredients
For the Baked Chicken Breast
- 1 large chicken breast (approximately 8 ounces), baked and cubed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Mexican Spaghetti Bake
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1 can Rotel (10 ounces)
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10 ounces each)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups finely shredded cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Brush the chicken breast on both sides with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with taco seasoning. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cube Chicken and Lower Oven Temperature: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the casserole baking step.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large pot (off heat), combine the can of Rotel, both cans of cream of chicken soup, salsa, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Stir together until smoothly blended.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Add the drained angel hair pasta and cubed chicken to the sauce mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and combined.
- Assemble and Bake Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake the casserole in the preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the foil and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Mexican Spaghetti Bake!
Notes
- Variations: Substitute ground beef or any protein instead of chicken for different flavors.
- Vegetarian option: Omit chicken entirely and add extra vegetables or beans.
- Pasta choice: Angel hair is preferred for its light texture, but any pasta shape will work.
- Covering casserole with foil during baking prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake just before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American