Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this zesty and satisfying Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Pasta, a bold fusion of flavors that’s ready in just 40 minutes. Tender chicken breast is seared to perfection, then paired with al dente pasta, protein-packed black beans, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic garlic, smoky cumin, and a kick of red chili flakes. A fresh squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro brighten each bite, while optional Parmesan adds a touch of creamy indulgence. Perfect for spice lovers, this easy-to-follow recipe is a one-pan wonder that delivers vibrant flavor, wholesome ingredients, and a cozy, family-friendly meal. Serve it up for a comforting yet invigorating dinner that's sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup black beans
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or similar)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic, chili flakes, and cumin for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the black beans, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to coat the pasta in the sauce. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 7

Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1591.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1785.2

Total Fat 69.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.4g
Cholesterol 268.0mg	0%
Sodium 3313.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 163.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.4g	0%
Total Sugars 22.4g
Protein 128.0g	0%

Vitamin D 12.8IU	0%
Calcium 1067.8mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 2408.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.9%

Protein: 28.6%

Carbs: 36.5%