Quick and easy salsa chicken pasta - This simple 15 minute recipe uses packaged ingredients to make a healthy lunch or dinner for the whole family. Cheap casserole meal idea for busy moms.
I feel like a broken record when I saw that I prefer to make food from fresh, whole ingredients that I've prepared myself, but that sometimes, that just doesn't work out.
For the times that we get home late or spent too much time playing outside or working in the garden, we need quick and easy options that come together quickly - or else we'll be doing takeout which is no good for anyone.
We had the opportunity to try out frozen chicken breast trips this week, and they fit the bill perfectly. They were a lot more expensive than fresh chicken breasts, but they cut out at least a half hour or cook time, probably more (if you consider having to defrost breasts from the freezer and then cook them), and that saved us from going through the drive thru or ordering Chinese or a pizza, so it was definitely an overall savings.
How to make quick and easy salsa chicken pasta
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until it is just beginning to soften. Add garlic and zucchini. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add frozen chicken and taco seasoning.
- When chicken is warm and veggies are tender, add salsa, alfredo or cheese sauce, and olives. Heat a few more minutes.
- Add pasta to the pan, stir, and continue to cook until heated through.
- To serve, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, add a dollop of sour cream.
Try these other 15 minute meals:
- 15 Minute Cajun Shrimp Scampi With Cauliflower Rice
- Instant Pot Garlic Chicken
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Lemon Chicken in the Instant Pot
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp Burrito Bowls
- Spinach Pasta with Creamy Red Sauce
Quick and Easy Salsa Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta we used rotini, use gluten-free if needed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped coarsely
- 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 1 large zucchini sliced in half rounds
- 10 ounces frozen chicken breast strips about ½ of a package
- 1 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 large jar salsa we used medium, making for a spicy final dish
- 1 commercial Alfredo sauce cheese sauce would be nice, too
- 1 can Black olives drained and sliced
- 1 cups Cheddar cheese shredded
- cilantro
- sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat. When it is hot, add onion and sauté until just beginning to soften. Add garlic and zucchini. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then add chicken strips and taco seasoning.
- When chicken is warm and veggies are tender, add salsa, alfredo or cheese sauce, and olives. Heat a few more minutes.
- Add pasta to the pan, continue cooking until evenly heated.
- To serve, sprinkle with cheese and fresh cilantro, and garnish with a small dollop of sour cream.
Becca Heflin says
I LOVE precooked chicken breasts after a long day at school. I use them for quick and easy dinners like your yummy salsa chicken, chicken pot pie, chicken noodle soup, chicken salad... gee, my list goes on forever!
Shopannies says
Wow!!! I stopped by for the recipe and it sounds great. Was suprised by the giveaway. Thanks for chance to win I have a delicious pecan crusted recipe that I love to use
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Nicole-Lynn says
Great giveaway! I'd use them for a grilled chicken sandwhich! Yum!
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Rachel - A Southern Fairytale says
Sounds delicious!
I usually cook 7 to 10 chicken breasts at the beginning of the week and then use them throughout the week for various recipes.
I've never used pre-cooked/frozen chicken strips before..... the recipe sounds fantastic. Glad you linked it
Susan Fairchild says
I'd love to use the strips in THIS recipe that you shared! I'm always looking for new cheapish food to feed my large family! I can double this recipe and feed my crew with a side of veggies - I'm betting it'll be a hit!
April Harris says
Lovely flavours in your recipe - sounds delicious.
Froufroubritches says
That sounds fabulous!!! I'm definitely trying this ASAP! Thanks!
Ann says
Hi I am visiting from Tasty Tuesday, this looks yummy!
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Holy Cannoli Recipes says
Chicken and Salsa is my husbands favorite MRE. I have made it at home once before but nothing to the extent of this. I will have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
Ellen Donald-Harris says
Marconi and cheese recipe with Tyson’s stripes, Black beans/spinach/ Broccoli .