Crispy Chicken Burrito Pasta (Printable)

Golden crispy chicken transforms into a cheesy, one-pan Tex-Mex pasta with bold zesty flavors and satisfying comfort food appeal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Pasta & Sauce

10 - 10 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
13 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
14 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
15 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
16 - 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 cup frozen corn
18 - 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
19 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
20 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
21 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
22 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes

23 - 2 spring onions, sliced
24 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
25 - Sour cream, for serving
26 - Lime wedges, for serving

# 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 tablespoons 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, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add drained tomatoes, black beans, and frozen corn to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients.
05 - Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly.
07 - Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover for 2 minutes to melt, or broil for additional crispiness if desired.
08 - Garnish with sliced spring onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is basically nonexistent
  • The crispy seasoned chicken makes it feel like a restaurant meal without the wait
  • You can customize the heat level and toppings to please everyone at the table
02 -
  • Drain the canned tomatoes thoroughly or your pasta will end up soupy instead of creamy
  • Keep the heat at medium-high when searing chicken so it gets crispy instead of steaming in its own juices
  • Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan
03 -
  • Cooking the pasta directly in the broth creates a naturally thick and creamy sauce
  • The crispy chicken stays best when you add it back at the very end so it doesnt get soggy
Go Back