Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) of cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning; sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and spicy sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top generously with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream cheese before baking.
- If you prefer a crunchy top, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Not specifically restricted
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg