Pin it All the bold, zesty flavors of a classic burrito bowl transformed into a cheesy, one-pan pasta dish with golden, crispy chicken. This Crispy Chicken Burrito Pasta is perfect for weeknights and sure to satisfy any Tex-Mex craving with its blend of spices and melted cheese.
Pin it By cooking the pasta directly in the chicken broth and tomato juices, every penne tube absorbs the savory essence of the ingredients, making each bite incredibly flavorful and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pasta & Sauce
- 300 g (10 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 350 ml (1½ cups) chicken broth
- 120 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 120 g (1 cup) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garnishes
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream and lime wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and crispy on all sides and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4
- Add drained tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
- Step 5
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted, then return chicken to the pan and mix.
- Step 7
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover for 2 minutes to melt, or broil for extra crispiness if desired.
- Step 8
- Garnish with spring onions, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a large deep skillet with a lid is essential for ensuring the pasta cooks evenly. For the best cheese melt, use a cheese grater to shred your own blocks of cheddar and Monterey Jack rather than buying pre-shredded varieties.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For those who prefer extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the vegetable sauté or use pepper jack cheese. You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker weeknight option, or try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish the dish generously with spring onions and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges to add a bright acidity that cuts through the rich cheese. This meal pairs exceptionally well with a crisp lager or a classic margarita.
Pin it Gather your family around the table for this one-pan wonder. It's a comforting, zesty dish that brings the soul of a burrito bowl into a hearty pasta format that everyone will enjoy.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of cutting it into pieces?
Yes, you can use whole boneless chicken breasts, but cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better texture. Pound them to uniform thickness if desired for faster, more consistent results.
- → What pasta shape works best for this dish?
Penne and rigatoni are ideal choices as their tubes and ridges hold the sauce well. Short pasta shapes like farfalle or fusilli also work nicely. Avoid long thin pasta like spaghetti, which gets tangled in the one-pan cooking method.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables, increase chili powder to 1 teaspoon, or use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack. A dash of hot sauce mixed into the final dish adds extra heat and depth.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Prepare all ingredients the day before and store separately. The cooked pasta dish keeps refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.
- → What are good side dish pairings?
Serve with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A cold beverage like lager or margarita complements the bold Tex-Mex flavors perfectly. Fresh lime wedges and extra sour cream enhance each bite.
- → Is there a way to make this faster?
Use rotisserie chicken, shredded and warmed at the end instead of cooking raw chicken. Pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store also save preparation time without sacrificing flavor or quality.