MEXICAN CHICKEN PASTA

Mexican chicken pasta is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a delicious Mexican-inspired sauce. Here’s a recipe to make this tasty dish:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of your choice of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (use your choice of color)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Saute the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become soft.
4. Add the Garlic and Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
   • Add the canned diced tomatoes, including their juice. Stir to combine.
5. Add Corn and Black Beans:
   • Mix in the corn and black beans, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
   • Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to heat and combine the ingredients.
7. Add Sour Cream:
   • Stir in the sour cream to create a creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or spices if needed.
8. Serve:
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
   • Serve your Mexican chicken pasta with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Enjoy your flavorful Mexican chicken pasta. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with pasta.