SPICY CHEESY CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Spicy Cheesy Chicken Casserole image

Provided by raymond spencer

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb ziti pasta
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 large red onion,sliced
1 c sliced white mushrooms
4 tsp red pepper flakes,divided
1 tsp chili powder
4 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese,divided
8 boneless chicken breasts,cut into strips
1 c prepared queso
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese,softened
3/4 c pickled jalapeno juice
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
1 c pickled jalapeno slices
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn,drained
1 c hot pepper jelly
2 c shredded pepperjack cheese,divided

Steps:

1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil.Stir in ziti and return to a boil.Cook the pasta uncovered,stirring occasionally,until tender yet firm to the bite,about 10 minutes.Drain.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat;add onion and mushrooms.Cook and stir until soft,5 to 7 minutes;season with 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes,chili powder and 2 teaspoons parmesan cheese;mix well.Remove from skillet to medium bowl and set aside.
3. Place chicken strips into a same skillet;cook and stir until no longer pink,7 to 10 minutes.Season with remaining red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese;mix well.
4. Combine queso,cream cheese,jalapeno juice and taco seasoning in a medium saucepan over low heat:cook until cream cheeese is melted,about 5 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
6. Combine ziti pasta,chicken,queso mixture,jalapeno slices,corn and onion mixture in a large bowl.Spread with hot pepper jelly.Add 1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese,mix until combine.Pour into a baking pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.Remove from the oven;top with remaining shredded pepperjack cheese.Return to the oven,bake until the cheese is melted.about 10 minutes.