Crispy Chicken Burrito Pasta (Printable)

Cheesy one-pan pasta with spiced crispy chicken, beans, corn, and melted cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb 2 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - ½ teaspoon chili powder
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Pasta & Sauce

10 - 10 oz 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 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
16 - 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 cup frozen corn
18 - 1½ 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 and lime wedges, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine chicken pieces with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. 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 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
03 - In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté diced 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 corn to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add uncooked pasta and stir. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy. Return cooked chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly.
07 - Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the top. Cover for 2 minutes until melted, or broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy, golden topping.
08 - Top with sliced spring onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One pan means almost zero cleanup, which matters more after you've actually cooked it than you think it will
  • The crispy seasoned chicken creates these little flavor bombs throughout every bite
  • It satisfies that takeout craving but feels like something you made with intention
02 -
  • Drain those canned tomatoes thoroughly or your pasta will never absorb the liquid properly
  • Don't overcrowd the chicken when searing, or it will steam instead of getting that crispy exterior
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid after you turn off the heat, so don't cook it until it's completely dry
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded, it melts so much better
  • Let the chicken rest on the plate while you finish the pasta, it stays juicier that way
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