Crispy Chicken Burrito Pasta (Print version)

Zesty burrito flavors meet cheesy pasta in this easy one-pan dish with seasoned crispy chicken.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken Seasoning

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

→ Pasta & Sauce

10 - 10 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
11 - 1 tablespoon 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 teaspoon 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons 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, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
03 - In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté diced red onion and bell pepper for 3 to 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 evenly.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add uncooked pasta and stir to submerge. Cover and cook for 12 to 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 over the top. Cover for 2 minutes to melt, or broil for extra crispiness if desired. Garnish with sliced spring onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges before serving.

# Tips from the pros:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup takes literally minutes
  • The crispy seasoned chicken creates those restaurant-style textures we all crave
  • It delivers massive comfort food vibes without any complicated techniques
02 -
  • Do not skip draining the diced tomatoes or the pasta will end up too soupy
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid after you turn off the heat, so remove it from heat while there is still a little sauce visible
03 -
  • Cooking the pasta directly in the skillet means fewer dishes and more flavor absorption
  • A cast iron skillet creates the best crust but any large deep pan will work perfectly
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