One-Pot Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta

Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ditch the messy kitchen and dive into this! This pasta is rich, zesty, and perfectly creamy, all achieved with the help of Clean Monday Meals. The blend of savory chicken, tender veggies, and that dreamy sauce makes this a must-make comfort meal.

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon Clean Monday Meals Everyday Beef Seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil (for the chicken)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium bell pepper (any color), chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil (for vegetables)
4 cups chicken broth (or 4 cups water + 1 tablespoon Clean Monday Meals Chicken Bouillon)
2 cup pasta (penne, rotini, or shells recommended)
2 tablespoons Clean Monday Meals Taco Seasoning
1/2 cup Clean Monday Meals Cream of Chicken powder
1/2 cup sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or dairy-free alternative (optional, for extra creaminess)
1/2 cup shredded cheese or dairy-free alternative (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Sauté and Reserve Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with the Everyday Beef Seasoning. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh olive oil to the same pot. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Simmer Pasta: Add the chicken broth, the uncooked pasta, and the Taco Seasoning to the pot with the vegetables. Stir well. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the Cream of Chicken powder. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 4-6 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Note: When cooking pasta in one pot, closely watch the liquid. If the temperature is too high or the lid is left off, the liquid may evaporate too quickly. Add extra broth (about 1/4 cup at a time) if the pasta still needs to cook but the pot is drying out.
Finish and Serve: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pot. If desired, stir in the sour cream or yogurt alternative for extra richness. Garnish with cheese and cilantro before serving.