Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole! Loaded with tender chicken, creamy soups, zesty Rotel tomatoes, sweet corn, and gooey melted cheese, all mixed with flavorful egg noodles and topped with crunchy Doritos, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- ½ of a 12oz bag of egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel Mild Tomatoes
- 1 can of corn, drained
- 2-2.5 cups Mexican shredded cheese, divided
- 1 bag of nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
Directions:
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, egg noodles, chives, garlic salt, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, corn, and 1-1.5 cups of shredded cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the remaining shredded cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Layer the rest of the chicken mixture on top, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, then cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crushed Doritos evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, crunchy goodness!
Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 6
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Presentation Matters: When serving this delicious Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole, consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional shredded cheese for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to personalize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as diced bell peppers, black beans, or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when hosting a gathering.
- Leftover Love: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Freeze for Future Meals: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then label and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.
- Reheating Tips: To maintain the crunchiness of the Doritos topping, consider reheating individual portions in the oven or toaster oven instead of the microwave. This will help retain the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Serve with Sides: Enhance your meal by serving this casserole with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
- Share and Enjoy: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering with friends, this Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole is sure to be a hit. Share the love and enjoy the smiles as everyone indulges in this comforting and flavorful dish!
Variations :
- Spicy Twist: For those who crave heat, add diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture before baking. You can also swap the mild Rotel tomatoes for the spicy version to amp up the heat.
- Vegetarian Delight: Make this casserole vegetarian-friendly by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup. Add in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Give this dish a Tex-Mex flair by adding a layer of refried beans between the chicken mixture and the cheese. Top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheesy Bacon Bliss: Everything’s better with bacon! Cook and crumble crispy bacon strips to sprinkle over the top of the casserole before adding the crushed Doritos. The combination of savory bacon and gooey cheese will take this dish to the next level.
- Italian-Inspired: Transform this casserole into an Italian masterpiece by using Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes and adding a sprinkle of Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme to the chicken mixture. Replace the Doritos with crushed garlic croutons for a crunchy topping with an Italian twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all canned soups and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Substitute crushed gluten-free tortilla chips for the Doritos for a crunchy, gluten-free topping.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by swapping the Mexican shredded cheese for feta cheese crumbles and adding sliced Kalamata olives, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil to the chicken mixture. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
- Asian Fusion: Add an Asian twist to this dish by using cooked rice noodles instead of egg noodles and replacing the cream of mushroom soup with coconut milk infused with Thai red curry paste. Top with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce before serving.
- Buffalo Chicken Variation: Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the casserole mixture for a tangy and spicy kick. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and garnish with chopped celery and green onions for added flavor and crunch.
- Breakfast for Dinner: Who says you can’t enjoy breakfast for dinner? Add cooked breakfast sausage or crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture and top with a layer of beaten eggs before baking. Serve with a side of salsa or hot sauce for a savory breakfast-inspired twist.
Get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make this Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole your own signature dish!
FAQs :
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack to customize the flavor of your casserole.
- Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken? Yes, you can use cooked, diced chicken breasts or thighs instead of rotisserie chicken. Simply season and cook the chicken as desired before adding it to the casserole mixture.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? Absolutely! Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as canned soups and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
- How can I make this dish spicier? To add a kick of heat to your casserole, consider adding diced jalapenos, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or using spicy Rotel tomatoes instead of mild.
- What can I serve with this casserole? This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes including steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even a side of rice or quinoa.
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this casserole by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup. Add extra vegetables for added flavor and texture.
- How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator? Properly stored in an airtight container, this casserole will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I reheat individual portions in the microwave? Yes, you can reheat individual portions of this casserole in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal. However, for best results, consider reheating in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crunchiness of the Doritos topping.
In conclusion, Doritos Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauces, and crunchy Doritos for a delightful meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this comforting casserole is sure to impress. With endless variations and easy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Enjoy the cheesy, crunchy goodness of this delicious casserole today!