Crispy Chicken Burrito Pasta (Printable Version)

Cheesy one-pan pasta with spiced crispy chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheddar. Bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
03 - 1 tsp ground cumin
04 - ½ tsp chili powder
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tsp salt
08 - ½ tsp black pepper
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Pasta & Sauce

10 - 10 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
13 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
14 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
15 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
16 - 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 cup frozen corn
18 - 1½ cups chicken broth
19 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
20 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
21 - 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
22 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes

23 - 2 spring onions, sliced
24 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
25 - Sour cream and lime wedges, to serve

# Directions:

01 - Combine the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
02 - Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden and crispy on all sides and cooked through, approximately 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
03 - In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and frozen corn. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add uncooked pasta and stir. Cover and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Return cooked chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly.
07 - Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the top. Cover for 2 minutes until melted, or place under broiler for 1–2 minutes for extra crispy golden topping.
08 - Top with sliced spring onions, fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its the weeknight version of your favorite burrito bowl but somehow even more satisfying
  • The crispy spiced chicken creates these incredible little flavor bursts in every bite
02 -
  • Dont skip draining the diced tomatoes, or your pasta will end up soupy instead of perfectly coated
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid after you turn off the heat, so remove it from the stove while its still slightly saucy
03 -
  • Crank the heat under your skillet when cooking the chicken, that high-heat sear is what creates the crispy texture
  • Reserve a handful of cheese to sprinkle on top at the very end, it creates that cheese pull everyone loves
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