Crispy Chicken Burrito Pasta

Experience the ultimate fusion of comfort and spice with this Crispy Chicken Burrito Pasta. This one-pan wonder takes all the zesty, bold flavors of a classic burrito bowl—think black beans, corn, and savory spices—and transforms them into a cheesy, satisfying pasta dish. It is a perfect weeknight solution that satisfies Tex-Mex cravings while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

Merken

The secret to this dish lies in the initial sear of the chicken. By tossing the bite-sized pieces in a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder before frying, you create a deeply flavorful crust that stands up beautifully to the rich, cheesy sauce. Once the pasta is simmered directly in the chicken broth and vegetable juices, it absorbs every bit of the Tex-Mex essence.

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 for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Base

Add the drained tomatoes, black beans, and frozen corn to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted, then return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix gently.

Step 7: Final Melt

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover for 2 minutes to melt, or place under a broiler briefly for extra crispiness if desired.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top the dish with sliced spring onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with dollops of sour cream and lime wedges on the side.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a large, deep skillet with a well-fitting lid to properly steam the pasta. Using a cheese grater to shred your own cheddar and Monterey Jack will result in a much smoother melt compared to pre-shredded varieties. If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is done, add a small splash of extra broth or water.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños to the vegetable sauté or swapping the Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese. If you are in a hurry, you can substitute the seasoned chicken breasts with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This dish also works well with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta varieties if preferred.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty pasta bowl with a side of extra lime wedges to brighten the flavors. For a complete dining experience, pair this meal with a crisp lager or a classic margarita. The creamy sour cream garnish helps balance the warmth of the smoked paprika and chili powder.

Merken

With its vibrant colors and rich textures, this Crispy Chicken Burrito Pasta is a guaranteed winner for any dinner table. It packs all the satisfaction of a Tex-Mex feast into a single, easy-to-manage pan. Enjoy the fusion of crispy, cheesy, and zesty notes in every bite!