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    See More:   Gluten-Free Healthy Meals Main Dishes Weeknight Meals

    Last Modified: Aug 19, 2024 by Tara Gerner 11 Comments

    Quick and Easy Salsa Chicken Pasta

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    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.

    a close up of salsa chicken pasta on a white platePin

    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

    1. Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    2. 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.
    3. When chicken is warm and veggies are tender, add salsa, alfredo or cheese sauce, and olives. Heat a few more minutes.
    4. Add pasta to the pan, stir, and continue to cook until heated through.
    5. 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

    Recipe

    salsa chicken pasta on a white plate

    Quick and Easy Salsa Chicken Pasta

    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Servings 4 people

    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
    • fresh 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.
    Tried this recipe? Pin it for later!Follow @FeelsLikeHome or tag #FeelsLikeHomeBlog!
    A plate topped with different types of food, with Chicken breast and salsaPin

    Several different types of food, with Chicken breast and salsaPin

    A bowl of pasta with chicken and salsaPin

    A bowl of food, with Chicken and Pasta and salsaPin

    A close up of food on a table, with Chicken breast and salsaPin

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Becca Heflin says

      June 21, 2010 at 12:39 am

      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!

      Reply
    2. Shopannies says

      June 21, 2010 at 3:16 pm

      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
      [email protected]

      Reply
    3. Nicole-Lynn says

      June 21, 2010 at 7:33 pm

      Great giveaway! I'd use them for a grilled chicken sandwhich! Yum!

      [email protected]

      Reply
    4. Rachel - A Southern Fairytale says

      June 22, 2010 at 1:08 am

      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

      Reply
    5. Susan Fairchild says

      June 22, 2010 at 12:31 pm

      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!

      Reply
    6. April Harris says

      June 22, 2010 at 2:35 pm

      Lovely flavours in your recipe - sounds delicious.

      Reply
    7. Froufroubritches says

      June 22, 2010 at 3:38 pm

      That sounds fabulous!!! I'm definitely trying this ASAP! Thanks!

      Reply
    8. Ann says

      June 22, 2010 at 4:43 pm

      Hi I am visiting from Tasty Tuesday, this looks yummy!
      http://www.honoringtheking.com

      Reply
    9. Holy Cannoli Recipes says

      June 23, 2010 at 3:08 pm

      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.

      Reply
    10. Ellen Donald-Harris says

      March 07, 2018 at 3:56 pm

      Marconi and cheese recipe with Tyson’s stripes, Black beans/spinach/ Broccoli .

      Reply

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