Southwest Chicken Pasta Skillet
This Southwest Chicken Pasta Skillet is bursting with bold flavors and comes together in one pan for an easy, comforting weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn frozen or fresh
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking to avoid burning.
Step 3: Combine Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes
- Stir in the rinsed black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly in the skillet.
Step 4: Add Spices and Pasta
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables and beans with the spices. Then, add the penne pasta along with 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
- Cover the skillet and cook on medium-low heat for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sliced green onions over the melted cheese. Serve the Southwest Chicken Pasta Skillet hot, straight from the pan for a cozy, comforting meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in lime juice and chili powder before cooking for extra flavor.
- Swap penne pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for low-carb options.
- Use chicken broth instead of water to simmer pasta for richer taste.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste better as flavors meld overnight.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for creaminess.