Mexican Pasta Salad is filled with all the best Tex-Mex flavors. This Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad is made with chicken, black beans, corn, cilantro, cheese, enchilada sauce, and so much more! It’s such an easy chicken pasta salad recipe, and it’s sure to please. Make it as indulgent or healthy as you’d like, you can’t go wrong!

bowl of chicken pasta salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

This chicken enchilada pasta salad is one of my new go-to recipes when I need to bring a dish to a party. Such an easy chicken pasta salad recipe you can make stress free!

I feel strongly that every person should have (at least) one killer pasta salad recipe in their repertoire. That one dish they can bring to every backyard party and be KNOWN FOR!

I’m trying to make a name for myself in the BBQ side dish world, and I think this Mexican Pasta Salad is just the thing. It’s quick and easy to throw together, just BURSTING with flavor, and sure to please. You will be the king or queen of any party with this awesome chicken pasta salad recipe, trust me!

This chicken enchilada pasta salad is loaded with everything that makes chicken enchiladas a favorite: chicken, corn, beans, cilantro, CHEESE, sour cream, and just the right amount of spice. 

Now you can be the one with the awesome side dish everyone asks about. You’re going to be remembered for this pasta salad everywhere you go!

Creamy, spicy, delicious Mexican Pasta Salad is exactly what your backyard BBQ needs!

step by step making mexican pasta salad

chicken enchilada pasta salad

Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad Recipe

This flavorful chicken pasta salad recipe wouldn’t be complete without my fave ingredients. OF COURSE! Taco seasoning is my jam in so many recipes, and Red Enchilada Sauce is my favorite way to add some subtle and creamy spice to any recipe. It’s not too spicy, but a little flavor goes a long way. Absolute perfection, Tex Mex at its finest! 

That enchilada sauce is what really brings this Mexican pasta salad to the next level. It really makes it taste just like you’re eating chicken enchiladas! Such a great party dish for summer BBQs or Sunday get togethers.

Some quick tips to change things up:

  • Use Greek Yogurt instead of sour cream to make it a little bit healthier.
  • You can also use less cheese or omit it completely if you prefer.
  • If you want to make it spicier (YES PLEASE!), add chopped jalapeños and just a dash of hot sauce.

There’s so much room to make this dish your own, but it will be so good no matter what!

bowl of pasta salad topped with chicken and enchilada sauce

mexican pasta salad in a bowl

How to Make Mexican Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are easy, easy, easy. They’re a must for summer parties, BBQ, Sunday afternoon lunches, you name it. This creamy Mexican Pasta Salad is my absolute favorite, because it tastes just like chicken enchiladas. Yum! Make it in about 30 minutes, and it’s ready to go when you are.

  1. Start by cooking the pasta (I like bowtie pasta for this recipe) according to package instructions.
  2. Season the chicken breast with taco seasoning and cook it in a skillet, then cut it into strips. You can do this while the pasta cooks.
  3. Drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl, then add in the rest of the ingredients and toss together, then add in the chicken.
  4. Top it off with sour cream and cilantro for an extra kick.

You can serve this hot or cold, whichever you prefer. If not eating it right away, just keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat.

This dish is like a taco salad, but with pasta–what’s not to love?

a bowl of pasta salad with corn, black beans, chicken, and more

I just can’t get enough of this Chicken Enchilada Mexican Pasta Salad. The flavor is perfect, and I love eating leftovers for lunch. So good! I can’t for you to try this, I know you’ll love it.

See the recipe card for details on how to make Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad. Enjoy!

Be sure to try these other easy pasta salad recipes:

Recipe Card

Chicken Enchilada Mexican Pasta Salad

4.36 from 39 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Becky Hardin
bowtie pasta in a bowl topped with sliced chicken, garnished with sour cream, lime, and parsley
Mexican Pasta Salad is filled with all the best Tex-Mex flavors. This Chicken Enchilada Pasta Salad is made with chicken, black beans, corn, cilantro, cheese, enchilada sauce, and so much more! It's such an easy chicken pasta salad recipe, and it's sure to please.
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Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces bowtie pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ ounce Taco Seasoning Click for Homemade Recipe!
  • ¾ cup Red Enchilada Sauce
  • ½ cup sour cream***
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 11 ounce can Mexican Corn, fully drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans, fully drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • optional add-ins: 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • More sour cream and cilantro for garnish
  • ***to make this healthier sub Greek yogurt for the sour cream and leave out the cheese!

Instructions 

  • Bring a pot of 5-6 quarts salted water to a boil.
  • Add in the pasta and cook for 15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
  • Meanwhile, coat each chicken breast with the taco seasoning, liberally on each side.
  • Add the olive oil to a nonstick skillet and heat over medium/high heat. Add in the chicken and cook for 7-10 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until chicken is cooked through. Cut with a knife to make sure the chicken is fully cooked. When cooked, cut into strips and set aside.
  • When pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and place in a large bowl.
  • Mix in the remaining ingredients: enchilada sauce, sour cream, lime juice, corns, bean, cilantro, onion, cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Lastly stir in the chicken.
  • Top with more sour cream and cilantro.
  • Serve cold or hot, enjoy!
  • ***to make spicier, add in the optional jalapeños and hot sauce. To make it healthier, sub Greek yogurt for the sour cream and leave out the cheese!
Calories: 352kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 17gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 483mgPotassium: 277mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 505IUVitamin C: 3.1mgCalcium: 124mgIron: 1.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

 

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.36 from 39 votes (35 ratings without comment)
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16 Comments
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Malinda @ Countryside Cravings
Malinda @ Countryside Cravings
August 30, 2016 10:02 pm

This really does look like a pasta dish people will be remembering you by!! I’m drooling just looking at the pics!!5 stars

Jen @ The Weary Chef
Jen @ The Weary Chef
August 30, 2016 2:33 pm

Great shots! You are making me hungry! It looks sooo good!

Justine | Cooking and Beer
Justine | Cooking and Beer
August 30, 2016 12:20 pm

Ahhh! This looks so delicious! Definitely saving this one to try!

Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
August 30, 2016 10:18 am

This pasta salad looks great! Can’t wait to try it!

Debra A Attinella
Debra A Attinella
August 30, 2016 8:22 am

What a hearty meal and I love all the flavors going on!

cakespy
cakespy
August 30, 2016 7:37 am

This is a mashup of the most delicious proportions. Sounds like the perfect dish for Labor Day!

Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
August 29, 2016 10:57 pm

Pass the plate!! DANG, that looks soooo good, I want a massive serving of it now!

Sandi (@fearless_dining)
Sandi (@fearless_dining)
August 29, 2016 8:52 pm

This looks like such a fun idea for a busy school night. Can’t wait to try it on my family.

Cookin Canuck
Cookin Canuck
August 29, 2016 8:08 pm

I am actually salivating over this recipe. First of all, pasta salad is one of my faves. And then you go and add enchilada flavors to it. Love it!

Susie Gall
Susie Gall
August 29, 2016 7:09 pm

Sounds and looks amazing, Bec!! I need to make this as soon as things settle down????????