Bold Tex-Mex flavors unite tender chicken, melty cheese, and pasta in a satisfying, easy-to-make dish.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lb), 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
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine chicken pieces with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, crispy, and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
03 - In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Stir in drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and frozen corn until combined.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add uncooked pasta, cover, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted. Return chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly.
07 - Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover for 2 minutes to melt or broil briefly for added crispiness if desired.
08 - Top with sliced spring onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges before serving.
