Easy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe

Category:Pasta Recipes

This Easy Mexican Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken with colorful bell peppers and zesty spices. It’s a quick and tasty meal that brings a little fiesta to your dinner table!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay tender. For a quicker option, you could use rotisserie chicken, just shred it and add it in later.

Pasta: I recommend penne or rotini as they hold on to the sauce well. If you’re avoiding gluten, swap in gluten-free pasta instead. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may vary.

Spices: Cumin and chili powder give this dish its Mexican flair! If you like it spicy, feel free to use more cayenne pepper. If not, you can skip it or use mild paprika instead.

Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add moisture and flavor. If you prefer fresh, use about 2 cups of chopped tomatoes, or use a can of fire-roasted for extra depth.

How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?

Getting your chicken nice and browned really enhances the flavor of the dish. Here’s how to do it:

  • Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice sear.
  • Keep space between the pieces of chicken; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
  • Don’t rush it! Let the chicken cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side before flipping.

By following these tips, your chicken will be delicious and add a hearty base to your pasta!

Easy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe

Easy Mexican Chicken Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish will take you about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. This includes around 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.

3. Add the Spices:

Next, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook everything together for about 1 minute, stirring often until the spices are fragrant.

4. Combine with Tomatoes and Broth:

Now, stir in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing all the flavors to blend together.

5. Cook the Pasta:

Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

6. Bring Back the Chicken:

Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined.

7. Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 2 minutes, so the cheese can melt beautifully.

8. Season and Serve:

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and easy Mexican Chicken Pasta!

Easy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe

FAQ for Easy Mexican Chicken Pasta

Can I Use Leftover Chicken?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just shred it and add it in during the last couple of minutes of cooking to heat through.

What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?

No worries! You can substitute it with water, but the flavor might be less rich. If you have bouillon cubes, you can dissolve one in water to make your own broth as well!

How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

If you’d like to make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with black beans or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra veggies for a heartier meal.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.

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