Zesty Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Pasta
This vibrant and flavorful dish combines tender chicken breast pieces with the robust taste of black beans and the heat of jalapeños, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Infused with a medley of spices, including chili powder and cumin, this meal offers a delightful kick that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of queso fresco and the fresh brightness of cilantro. It’s a nutritious, one-dish meal that's not only quick to prepare but also satisfying, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or leisurely lunches. Serve it alongside a crisp tossed green salad for a complete and healthy dining experience!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breast halves
4-6 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (heaping)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic powder
1 tablespoon (none)
jalapeños
2-4 (seeded and chopped)
green onion
1 bunch (chopped)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
roma tomatoes
2 (diced)
queso fresco
1/2 lb (grated and crumbled)
pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente (bow ties recommended))
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2
2. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and season with heaping tablespoon of chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
3
3. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped jalapeños and green onions, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and slightly softened.
5
5. Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans and the diced roma tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the al dente pasta. Toss everything together gently until well combined.
7
7. Remove the skillet from heat and add the crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro, tossing to evenly distribute.
8
8. Serve warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Pasta?
It is a vibrant, one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breast pieces with black beans, jalapeños, and pasta, flavored with Mexican-inspired spices and queso fresco.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe recommends using bow tie pasta cooked al dente.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The bite-sized chicken pieces should be sautéed for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The recipe includes 2-4 jalapeños and a heaping tablespoon of chili powder, so it has a significant kick, but the heat can be adjusted by using fewer jalapeños.
What spices are needed for the chicken seasoning?
You will need a heaping tablespoon of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
What kind of cheese is used in this pasta?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of queso fresco, grated and crumbled.
How do I prepare the jalapeños?
The jalapeños should be seeded and chopped before being sautéed in the skillet.
Can I use canned black beans?
Yes, the recipe uses one 15-ounce can of black beans, which should be drained and rinsed before adding to the dish.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically suggests using 2 diced roma tomatoes.
What is the best oil for sautéing the ingredients?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for this recipe.
When should I add the cilantro?
The chopped fresh cilantro should be added at the end, after removing the skillet from the heat, along with the queso fresco.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, one-dish meal that incorporates lean protein and beans.
How many green onions are required?
The recipe calls for one whole bunch of green onions, chopped.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked al dente before being tossed into the skillet with the other ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe quickly?
Yes, it is designed as a quick-to-prepare meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What side dish pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp tossed green salad is suggested as a great accompaniment for a complete meal.
How much pasta is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of pasta.
What order should I cook the ingredients in?
First cook the seasoned chicken, then sauté the aromatics (jalapeños and onions), add beans and tomatoes, and finally toss in the cooked chicken and pasta.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies boneless chicken breast halves, you can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of garlic powder to season the chicken.
What texture should the queso fresco have?
The queso fresco should be grated and crumbled so it can be evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Do I leave the seeds in the jalapeños?
The recipe recommends seeding the jalapeños before chopping to control the spice level.
Should the chicken be seasoned before or during cooking?
The chicken is added to the skillet and then immediately seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
Is the cilantro cooked in the skillet?
No, the cilantro is tossed in after the skillet is removed from the heat to preserve its fresh flavor.
Can I use different beans?
While black beans are traditional for this zesty flavor profile, kidney beans or pinto beans could be used as alternatives.
How much fresh cilantro is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It has a zesty, spicy, and savory profile with Mexican-inspired notes from the cumin, chili, and cilantro.
Should I use a specific type of chili powder?
Standard chili powder works well; the recipe emphasizes using a 'heaping' tablespoon for robust flavor.
Can I garnish the dish with anything else?
You can garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired before serving.