Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner idea? Look no further than this Santa Fe Chicken Pasta recipe! Packed full of vegetables, boneless chicken breasts, spices, and a creamy sauce, this healthy dish is sure to make your taste buds happy. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when youโre short on time, this Chicken Pasta dish is sure to become a favorite!
Thereโs nothing like good Healthy Recipes to make you feel like youโre doing something good for your body. I love trying out new meal ideas that are good for me, and finding ways to make my old favorites healthier. Itโs amazing how much difference a few tweaks and substitutions can make in terms of nutrition. Whether itโs swapping out regular pasta for zucchini noodles or using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, there are so many ways to make delicious food thatโs good for you.
What is Santa Fe Chicken All About?
If youโre a fan of Mexican-inspired flavors, youโre definitely going to want to try Santa Fe chicken. This dish is bursting with zesty goodness and an irresistible mix of ingredients. So, whatโs in it exactly? Weโre talking about tender, juicy chicken breasts that are coated with a flavorful seasoning blend featuring smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin.
Toss in some juicy tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, and black beans, and youโve got quite a tasty little party going on. Finish it off with some fresh avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream, and youโll be hooked. Trust us โ this Santa Fe chicken is definitely worth putting on your dinner menu.
Delicious Santa Fe Recipes
- Quick Santa Fe Quinoa Salad
- Quick Santa Fe Pasta Salad
- Santa Fe Salad Recipes
- Santa Fe Beans and Rice
- Santa Fe Chicken Casserole
What are Santa Fe Seasonings?
If youโre a spice lover, then you must have heard of Santa Fe seasonings! They are a blend of spices that are sure to add a kick to any dish. The name itself is enough to make you think of southwestern cuisine. The exact composition of these spices may vary, but it often includes cumin, chili powder, oregano, and sometimes even cocoa powder.
These spices can be used in a variety of dishes, from chili to tacos, and even grilled meats. Not just that, they are incredibly versatile and can be used in vegetarian dishes as well. I have these spices remembered in specific detail because I used them so often!
What is Cotija Cheese?
Have you ever had a salad or taco that tasted amazing, and you couldnโt put your finger on what made it so delicious? It was probably cotija cheese. I just discovered this amazing treat. This crumbly Mexican cheese is made from cowโs milk and is known for its salty and sharp taste. Itโs perfect for topping off a salad or sprinkling on a taco for an extra burst of flavor. Trust me, once you try Cotija cheese, youโll be hooked!
What Kind of Pasta Cooks Best in a Skillet Meal?
If youโre like me, you know that pasta is always a good idea. But sometimes, boiling water and waiting for noodles to cook can seem like a lot of work. Thatโs where skillet meals come in! Theyโre easy, one-pan wonders that can be packed with veggies and protein. But what kind of pasta should you use? To make the perfect skillet meal, choose a pasta shape that can hold up to some serious heat.
Think fusilli, penne, or farfalle โ something with some nooks and crannies. These shapes can catch all the flavors from your sauce or veggies and wonโt turn to mush in the hot pan. So go ahead, skip the boiling water and give skillet pasta a try!
Weeknight Meal Prep Essentials
When it comes to weeknight meal prep, having the right essentials can make all the difference. From a sharp knife to a trusty cutting board, having the proper tools can help you slice and dice your way to a delicious dinner in no time.
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, BlueLodge Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole, 3.6-Quart, Caribbean Blue, Oval casserole
OXO Good Grips Small Silicone Flexible Turner Black
2 Pcs Silicone Spoons for Cooking Heat Resistant, Hygienic Design Cooking Utensi Mixing Spoons for Kitchen Cooking Baking Stirring Mixing Tools (Black)
TILUCK measuring cups and magnetic measuring spoons set, stainless steel measuring cups, double-sided stainless steel measuring spoons & 1 leveler (11)
Hiware Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen, Heavy Duty Wood Cutting Boards with Juice Groove, 100% Organic Bamboo, Pre Oiled, 18
Santa Fe Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 15-Ounce Can Black Beans
- 1/2 Cup Frozen Corn
- 1 Cup Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 Red Pepper, chopped
- 1 Pound Boneless Chicken Breasts, Chopped
- 8 Ounces Curly Pasta
- 2-3 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
- 1 1/2 Cups Heavy Cream
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Teaspoons Cumin
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Oregano
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in an extra-large skillet or dutch oven.
- Add chopped chicken and let cook on each side a minute or two and let the chicken brown a bit.
- Add the red peppers while the chicken is cooking.
- Then add the cream, broth, and spices and make sure to stir well to dredge up the pieces stuck to the bottom.
- Add the pasta and bring to a boil. Once it's boiling, add the tomatoes, corn, and beans. Stir and lower heat to medium-low and cover for about 20 minutes or until the pasta is done. It takes a bit longer with all of the other ingredients!
- Once it's finished cooking, stir in cilantro and cotija cheese, if desired. Top with avocado if you prefer.
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