Zesty Tex-Mex inspired one-pan pasta with crispy golden chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheese.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
03 - 1 tsp ground cumin
04 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Pasta & Sauce
10 - 10 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
13 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
14 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
15 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
16 - 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 cup frozen corn
18 - 1.5 cups chicken broth
19 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
20 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
21 - 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
22 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Garnishes
23 - 2 spring onions, sliced
24 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
25 - Sour cream, to serve
26 - Lime wedges, to serve
# How to Make It:
01 - In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
02 - Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden and crispy on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté red onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add drained tomatoes, black beans, and frozen corn to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese mixture until melted. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly.
07 - Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Cover for 2 minutes to melt cheese completely, or broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.
08 - Transfer to serving bowls. Top with sliced spring onions and fresh cilantro. Serve with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
