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Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken Enchilada Pasta

easy one-pot creamy chicken enchilada pasta - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pot pasta dish combining creamy texture with zesty enchilada sauce and tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or use cooked rotisserie chicken)
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade, medium spice level)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Measure out broth, enchilada sauce, and other ingredients.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook 4-5 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and enchilada sauce, stirring to combine. Add dry pasta, ensuring it is submerged in liquid.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
  6. Stir in softened cream cheese and return chicken to the pan. Mix until cream cheese melts and ingredients combine.
  7. Stir in sour cream for extra creaminess. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover, and let cheese melt for a few minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before adding to ensure smooth melting. Use medium-low heat during simmering to avoid drying out the pasta. Add extra broth if pasta is not tender after 15 minutes. Avoid overcooking chicken in initial sauté as it finishes cooking in the sauce. For extra texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or chopped green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, creamy chicken, enchilada pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-one-pot-creamy-chicken-enchilada-pasta-recipe-for-quick-dinners/