This Southwest Chicken One Pot Pasta Recipe will help you get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes – with only one pot to wash afterward! It’s one of those easy dinner recipes for kids, but I assure you, adults will love it, too! It’s full of flavor, tender chicken, and just the right amount of southwest spice.

Let’s make easy chicken one pot Pasta Recipe

One-pot wonder recipes are recipes that can be cooked and assembled all in one pot. Not only is it convenient and fast, but it also produces meals with extraordinary flavor. This recipe eliminates the need to cook the pasta separately since the right amount of liquid is added to the pot during cooking.

This chicken pasta recipe makes a big batch! It’s perfect for a large family, or you can have the luxury of leftovers or freezing some to use at a later date.

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Southwest chicken one pot pasta Ingredients

• 16 oz penne pasta (or 4 cups dried penne pasta)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups raw chicken, cut into cubes or small pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
• 1 small can Rotel
• 4 cups fiesta blend cheese, shredded
• 1 avocado, cubed (optional)
• 1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled (for garnish, optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

directions to Make this Southwest Chicken One Pot Pasta Recipe

Step 1

On a big pot, begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil and sauteing the onion until nearly translucent (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 2

Add minced garlic and saute for an additional minute.

Step 3

Add chicken and chili powder, continue to cook until chicken is done and no longer pink in center.

Step 4

Add black beans, corn, and Rotel. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Add pasta and broth. Bring to a boil and continue to cook, stirring frequently for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is done and most of the liquid has reduced. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Stir in cheese and other toppings you prefer until well combined.

how to serve One Pot Southwest Pasta dish

You can use whatever toppings you and your family enjoy. They could include fresh avocado cubes, chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or fresh diced tomatoes.

Start with a large pot, as this makes a big batch! I started mine in my cast iron skillet and had to change pans halfway through since it wouldn’t fit!

You can adjust the spice level of this recipe by adding more or less chili powder. You can also substitute cajun seasoning for the chili powder if you’d like a slightly hotter flavor.

What to do with One Pot Pasta Leftovers

This recipe easily feeds a family of 6 – with even some leftovers!

Pasta dish leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for 3- 5 days.

To freeze leftover one-pot pasta, let it cool completely. Then place in a tightly sealed container or covered baking dish. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheat the frozen pasta in either the microwave or in the oven in a foil-covered pan.

More Pasta Recipes You Might Like:

• Pasta recipes for kids <– a whole week’s worth of meal ideas!
• YUM – add BBQ chicken pasta to the menu.
• Chili pasta is a family favorite.
• If you’re kids love pizza, they will go crazy for our favorite pizza pasta.
• Bacon mac and cheese only uses three ingredients!
• Chicken Florentine pasta is another quick dinner idea!

Did you make this yummy southwest chicken one-pot pasta? What did your family think?