Let’s talk comfort food. You know how sometimes you crave something totally satisfying, something that’s both creamy and satisfying. What are some of the best kicks? What is Mexican Chicken Pasta? What is it like to go on a vacation to Mexico and come back with new attitude? Is it a south-of-the-border upgrade to your usual cheesy pasta night? I swear, the first time I made this, my husband declared it “better than restaurant quality”. ” And trust me, he’s a tough critic! What I love most about this recipe is that it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and it’s ready in a matter of minutes. What is a family favorite? Mexican Chicken Pasta?
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What is Mexican Chicken Pasta?
Mexican Chicken Pasta is a perfect cross between two worlds. It’s essentially tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. What are some of the best Mexican flavors? Chili powder, cumin, maybe a little smoky. If you’re feeling adventurous, try chipotle. What’s a fiesta in the bowl? It’s got the comforting warmth of a classic pasta dish, but with an spicy twist that keeps things interesting. What are some interesting things What is the beauty of this recipe? What are some of the best toppings for a salad? For extra creaminess. Is there a drug that works?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this Mexican Chicken Pasta has become a staple in my house.
First off, the *flavor* is insane. The creamy cheese sauce, the savory chicken, the subtle spices… it all just works so incredibly well together. It’s that perfect balance of comforting and exciting, which is exactly what I look for in a weeknight meal. It’s really the best Mexican Chicken Pasta.
Secondly, it’s so incredibly *easy* to make. Seriously, even on the busiest of nights, I can whip this up in about 45 minutes. I use rotisserie chicken to speed things up even more (a total lifesaver!), and the sauce comes together in just one pot.
Then there’s the *cost-efficiency*. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive, and you probably have a lot of them in your pantry already. This is a great way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
And finally, the *versatility*! You can easily customize this to your liking. Add different veggies, switch up the cheese, or adjust the spice level. It’s also great for meal prepping – it tastes even better the next day! This Mexican Chicken Pasta is perfect and so easy.
Honestly, what I love most about this is how happy it makes everyone. My kids gobble it up, my husband raves about it, and I get to enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal. It’s a win-win-win! I swear, you’re going to want to add it to your permanent menu!
How do I make Mexican Chicken Pasta?
Quick Overview
How do I make Mexican Chicken Pasta? What is essentially cooking the pasta, creating a creamy cheese sauce with Mexican spices, and adding the mozzarella. What is the best way to eat shredded chicken? What is a one-pot wonder that can be made in less than an hour? What is the best part about spice? What are the best toppings to make your own?
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (I like rotini or penne, but any short pasta will work) * Water for boiling * Salt
What is the Creamy Mexican Sauce?
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
* 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Chicken:
* 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is perfect)
For the Garnish (optional): For
* Fresh cilantro, chopped * Sour cream * Diced avocado.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Drain. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. I always add a little olive oil after draining to prevent the noodles from sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly tender.
Step 3: Add the Spices and Beans
Stir in the black beans, Rotel, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove from heat. This step is so important for blooming the spices and really bringing out their flavor.
Step 4: Simmer in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. How do you cook a stew? Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens! Make sure the cream cheese is softened – otherwise, it won’t melt properly and you’ll end up with clumps.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I usually add a little salt and pepper at this point. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and diced avocado. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What is a complete meal on its own? What are some good ideas?Taco Tuesday: What are some ofServe with a side salad and some tortilla chips. What is the perfect accompaniment to tacos?For a Potluck:What is a crowd pleaser at potlucks? I usually double or triple the recipe and bring it in a large casserole dish.As a Lunch Meal Prep:What are some good ways to cook pasta – cold or reheated? What is a good way to add flavor to your work week?What is a good cozy snack?Make a small batch to enjoy for dinner or snack. Can you go wrong with this at any time of the day or night?
What are some tips for perfecting Mexican Chicken Pasta?
What are some of the best ways to take Mexican Chicken Pasta to the next level?Chicken Tip:How do you cook a rotisserie chicken?Spice Level Customization: How can II like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to my recipe, but you can easily adjust the spice. Level to your liking.What is cheese blend magic?How do you experiment with different cheese blends?Add More Vegetables: HowI often add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the sauce for extra flavor.Rotel Choice:If you’re concerned about the heat from the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, use the mild version. Why is there less spice?Cream Cheese Softening: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before adding it to the sauce.
Acid:What are some of the best lime juices?
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Mexican Chicken Pasta is even better the next day! Here’s how to store it properly:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s important to refrigerate it promptly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is properly sealed to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze this pasta. Divide it into individual portions and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Mexican Chicken Pasta recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. What I really love about it is that it’s so customizable – you can really make it your own. If you’re looking for more easy weeknight meals, be sure to check out my other pasta recipes. Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe and how it turns out! Happy cooking!
Mexican Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast
- 1 cup Cooked pasta
- 0.5 cup Salsa
- 1 cup Shredded cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook chicken breast and dice it.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Combine chicken, pasta, and salsa in a bowl.
- Top with cheese and serve.
