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Chicken Taco Pasta

Chicken Taco Pasta combines seasoned chicken, salsa, vegetables, and melted cheese with tender pasta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Tex-Mex

Ingredients
  

  • 13.25 ounces pasta Dreamfields or any pasta of choice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup corn frozen or canned
  • 1 cup black beans drained
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
  • 1 cup restaurant-style salsa
  • 6 ounces pepper jack cheese shredded
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta but reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables become soft and slightly golden.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in the corn and black beans and cook for about 1 minute until heated through.
  • Add the cooked diced chicken and taco seasoning. Stir well so the seasoning coats the ingredients evenly.
  • Pour in the salsa and mix everything together. If the mixture seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water.
  • Transfer the chicken mixture into the pot with the cooked pasta. Add the shredded pepper jack cheese and stir until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. This step creates the creamy texture that makes chicken taco pasta so delicious.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

This recipe is highly flexible. Swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans if desired. You can also use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta depending on dietary preferences.