Cowboy Chicken Pasta
Description
Cowboy Chicken Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish inspired by the bold, smoky flavors of the American Southwest. It combines tender grilled or sautéed chicken seasoned with smoky spices, a creamy tomato sauce, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and pasta — usually penne or rotini. The result is a satisfying one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, bringing together protein, veggies, and carbs in a deliciously comforting way.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
m
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
For the pasta:
8 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned or frozen)
1 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or half & half
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season and cook chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
Cook the veggies:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
Add diced onion and cook until soft (3-4 minutes).
Add garlic and bell pepper, cook another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tender.
Add liquids and pasta:
Stir in corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth.
Bring to a simmer.
Add the pasta, cover, and cook according to package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Finish the sauce:
Once pasta is cooked, stir in heavy cream and cheese.
Return chicken to the skillet and mix everything until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Serve warm with extra cheese or hot sauce if desired.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 4)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~450 kcal
Protein 35 g
Carbohydrates 40 g
Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Fiber 6 g
Sugar 6 g
Sodium 600 mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Fusilli, farfalle, or rotini work great, but avoid very thin pasta like angel hair as it may get mushy.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Definitely. Skip the chicken and add more beans or some grilled veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it dries out.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it, but the pasta texture may change slightly. It’s better to freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta and combine them when reheating.
Q: What sides go well with Cowboy Chicken Pasta?
A: A fresh green salad,
garlic bread, or roasted veggies pair nicel