Chicken Enchilada Pasta
A delightful dish combining the heartiness of pasta with classic enchilada flavors, perfect for a comforting yet customizable meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¼-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 2 cups diced red bell pepper
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained (low or no salt)
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 3 cups rotini pasta (10 oz)
- ½ cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, fresh cilantro
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onions, garlic, and red bell peppers to the pot. Sauté until softened.
- Return chicken to the pot.
- Add pasta, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Stir, cover, and bring to a simmer.
- Uncover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with sour cream and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
For added spice, use spicy enchilada sauce or add chopped jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. Make it a one-pot wonder by modifying the cooking times for your stove to ensure even cooking. Use whole grain pasta for a healthier alternative. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for cooking fresh chicken. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a more robust flavor. Leftover Chicken Enchilada Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in individual portions or heat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.