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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming appeal of a creamy casserole. Enter the Spicy Delight: Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Casserole—a dish that takes the classic casserole concept and elevates it with a tantalizing kick of spice and a velvety texture that will leave your taste buds dancing. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want to serve something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Spicy Delight: Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Casserole. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a kick of spice from jalapeños, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. With simple ingredients like shell pasta, cream of chicken soup, and pepper jack cheese, it’s easy to prepare and can even be made ahead. Serve it with a fresh salad or grilled veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great)

1 cup uncooked medium shell pasta

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

1 cup diced jalapeños (choose fresh for a sharper heat or pickled for a tangy flavor; adjust quantity based on preferred spice level)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking your delicious casserole.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the medium shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

      Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded pepper jack cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

        Combine with Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture, mixing until every shell is generously coated in the creamy filling.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spoon the creamy chicken pasta mixture into it. Spread the mixture out evenly to ensure even cooking.

            Add Topping (Optional): For an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is beautifully golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish before serving. Enjoy this creamy and spicy delight!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 4-6