Mexican Chicken Penne
Spice up your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Mexican Chicken Penne! This one-pan wonder combines tender penne pasta, juicy sautéed chicken, and colorful bell peppers in a creamy, taco-seasoned sauce that bursts with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Enhanced by fire-roasted tomatoes, a touch of cream cheese for velvety richness, and a gooey layer of shredded cheese, this dish is as comforting as it is flavorful. Garnished with fragrant cilantro, it’s a quick and easy 40-minute recipe perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings. Serve it on its own or pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete meal that will wow your family and friends.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium bell pepper (red, yellow, or green)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once cooked.
While the pasta cooks, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until cooked through and golden, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Mince the garlic and add it to the vegetables, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in the taco seasoning and bring to a simmer.
Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts and incorporates into the sauce, creating a creamy mixture.
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce.
Stir in the shredded cheese and allow it to melt into the pasta.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or taco seasoning if needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your Mexican Chicken Penne!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
446 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.8 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 105 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 1034 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.4 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 34.9 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 206 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 672 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
