Description
This Rotel Chicken Pasta is loaded with peppers and onions, tender taco-seasoned chicken, and plenty of melty cheese for an irresistible, creamy pasta dinner perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil for cooking the chicken
- 1 tbsp butter for cooking the chicken
- 1 lb rotini pasta (or any pasta)
- 1 tbsp chicken-flavored bouillon for pasta water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 each diced red, orange, and green pepper (or combination)
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (adjust for sauce thickness)
- 12 oz cubed Velveeta cheese
- 4 oz shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp additional taco seasoning (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients before starting.
- Place chicken in a bowl, drizzle with oil, and season with taco seasoning and Cajun seasoning. Mix well.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until no longer pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Boil pasta in water with chicken bouillon until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter. Sauté diced peppers, onion, and garlic with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for ~10 minutes until softened.
- Add Rotel and mix well.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir to combine. Add Velveeta cubes and stir until melted and smooth. Add pepper jack and cheddar, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Add cooked pasta to skillet, mixing thoroughly with the sauce. Fold in cooked chicken and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with extra taco seasoning if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat with extra milk or cream if sauce thickens.
- Add more heavy cream if sauce is too thick during cooking. Milk can be used for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sauté, Boil
- Cuisine: American