Mexican Pasta with Chicken 7 Points
Indulge in a vibrant fusion of Mexican flavors and classic pasta comfort with this easy and delicious Mexican Pasta with Chicken 7 Points! This one-pan dish combines tender penne pasta, juicy chicken strips, and a rich, zesty sauce infused with taco seasoning, creamy cheese, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder. Highlighted by fresh red bell peppers, canned tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, this recipe delivers bold flavor in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this hearty yet healthy meal is not only satisfying but also low in points for those following a point-based meal plan. Serve it hot and watch it disappear—this fusion pasta is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz Penne pasta
- 2 medium, boneless and skinless Chicken breast
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 medium, diced Red bell pepper
- 1 14 oz can Canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Taco seasoning
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 2 oz, softened Cream cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tbsp, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into thin strips.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly tender.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, taco seasoning, ground cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the pasta, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Garnish the pasta with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Pasta with Chicken 7 Points!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
504 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.5 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.3 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 791 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.8 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.0 g | ||
| Protein | 35.6 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 287 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 609 mg | 13% | |
*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.
