White Chicken Enchilada Pasta is a delightful fusion of two much-loved cuisines: Mexican and Italian. This easy recipe combines the creamy, tangy taste of white chicken enchiladas with the satisfying texture of pasta. If you’re looking for a dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve at a family gathering, this is it. In less than 40 minutes, you can have a hearty, flavorful meal on your table that everyone will love. Whether you’re familiar with white chicken enchiladas or just love a good pasta recipe, this dish brings out the best of both worlds.
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Enchilada Pasta
- Quick and Easy: Best way to make White Chicken Enchilada Pasta at home in just 40 minutes.
- Flavor-packed: Combines the taste of creamy enchiladas with tender pasta.
- Customizable: Easy White Chicken Enchilada Pasta for beginners and adaptable to various dietary needs.
- Family-friendly: Only 30 minutes to make! Perfect for meal prep weeks.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish or a comforting side.
Ingredients for White Chicken Enchilada Pasta
Essential Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice; penne or fusilli works well)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or homemade)
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (choose mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, or mozzarella for a mild flavor)
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dietary Swaps:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
How to Make White Chicken Enchilada Pasta – Step by Step
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, sour cream, diced green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined to create a creamy enchilada sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy enchilada goodness.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top to form a cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden for extra crispy texture.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Best White Chicken Enchilada Pasta Recipe – Easy and Delicious Pro Tips for Making the Best White Chicken Enchilada Pasta
- Can I make White Chicken Enchilada Pasta ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dish without baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- What is the secret to the best White Chicken Enchilada Pasta? Ensuring the pasta is al dente before mixing with the sauce to avoid mushiness during baking.
Best Ways to Serve White Chicken Enchilada Pasta
- Pair with a Fresh Salad: Pair with our Green Goddess Salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Complement with Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or tortillas for a comforting meal.
- Add a Sparkling Drink: The best way to serve White Chicken Enchilada Pasta is with a sparkling lime drink or mocktail.
Nutritional Information for White Chicken Enchilada Pasta
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Note:
Adjust ingredients for nutritional needs, such as low-carb diets by reducing pasta.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze White Chicken Enchilada Pasta for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe dish before baking, or freeze leftovers.
- How long does White Chicken Enchilada Pasta last in the fridge? Up to 3 days.
- Best Reheating Methods: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
4 FAQs for White Chicken Enchilada Pasta
- Can I freeze White Chicken Enchilada Pasta? Yes, it freezes well and can be reheated directly from frozen.
- What can I use instead of chicken in White Chicken Enchilada Pasta? Substitute with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Can I use red enchilada sauce? Absolutely, for a different flavor profile.
- Can I add vegetables? Yes, add bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor.
Related Recipes for White Chicken Enchilada Pasta
White Chicken Enchilada Pasta
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and cheese, topped with a bubbly golden crust.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, sour cream, green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the mixture and stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Great for meal prep or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Pasta Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, enchilada recipes, comfort food, easy recipe