Make That Chicken Dance Salsa Pasta
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with "Make That Chicken Dance Salsa Pasta," a bold and flavorful fusion dish that brings Tex-Mex flair to classic pasta night. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are paired with zesty fresh salsa and savory vegetable broth to create a vibrant, tangy sauce that clings perfectly to al dente penne pasta. The dish is taken to the next level with gooey melted cheddar cheese, a sprinkling of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a citrusy kick. This quick and easy recipe—ready in just 40 minutes—balances hearty textures with bold, bright flavors, making it a weeknight winner for families and perfect for impressing guests. Serve it with extra lime wedges on the side to customize your zesty zing! SEO Keywords: chicken salsa pasta recipe, Tex-Mex pasta, easy chicken dinner, quick weeknight recipe, cheesy pasta dish.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 ounces dry penne pasta
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 piece lime, cut into wedges
Directions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4
Add the fresh salsa and vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5
Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 6
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and return it to the skillet with the salsa mixture. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the salsa.
Step 8
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
Step 9
Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1628.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2733.1 |
| Total Fat 85.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 33.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g | |
| Cholesterol 416.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5127.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 308.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 23.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 30.6g | |
| Protein 189.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1045.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3166.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories