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MEXICAN CHICKEN PASTA
Mexican Chicken Pasta combines the savory flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of pasta to create a tasty and satisfying dish. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this delicious fusion meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: 1 pound (approx. 450 g), cut into small pieces
- Pasta: 8 ounces (approx. 225 g), penne or fusilli work well
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Bell pepper: 1 cup, diced (use a color mixture for variety)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, chopped
- Canned tomatoes: 14 ounces (about 400 g), diced or mashed
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (approx. 120 ml)
- Black beans: 1 cup, drained and rinsed
- Corn: 1 cup, fresh or frozen
- Taco seasoning: 2 tablespoons, store-bought or homemade
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh cilantro: a handful, chopped
- Cheese: 1 cup, grated (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Sour cream: for serving (optional)
- Avocado: sliced, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges: for serving (optional)
Instructions
STEP 1: COOK PASTA
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- Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.Drain and reserve.
STEP 2: PREPARE CHICKEN
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
STEP 3: FRY THE VEGETABLES
- In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Saute onions and peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
STEP 4: COMBINE INGREDIENTS
- Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, black beans, corn and the rest of the taco seasoning. Bring to a boil.2. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
STEP 5: ADD PASTA AND CHEESE
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetable mixture.Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and cover the pan for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
STEP 6: DECORATE AND SERVE
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- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, avocado slices and, if desired, a dollop of sour cream.2. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a hint of citrus flavor.
Tips
- Taco Seasoning: To make a homemade mixture, combine chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground coriander and cayenne pepper.
- Protein Variations: You can substitute chicken for shrimp or make it vegetarian by using more beans and vegetables.
- Serving suggestion: This dish goes well with a side of green salad or garlic salad. Bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy your Mexican Chicken Pasta, a dish that promises a delicious mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something different!