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Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Bake

A spicy, creamy pasta bake inspired by jalapeño poppers, featuring tender chicken, jalapeños, and a rich cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced jalapeños and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.