Healthy Southwest Chicken Pasta

Here’s healthy one pot Southwest Chicken Pasta for a quick and delicious dinner! Packed with lean chicken, black beans, corn, and a rich sauce, this flavorful Southwest pasta recipe is ready in just 45 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this high-protein, low-fat meal is a family favorite.

Healthy Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Southwest Chicken Pasta is one of my go-to recipes when I need a quick, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, tender pasta, and fiber-rich black beans, all simmered in a taco-seasoned broth and topped with melty cheese — this dish is pure comfort food.

I love how this dish combines everything I want in a healthy dinner—lean protein, wholesome veggies, and just the right amount of spice. Plus, the melted cheese on top takes it to the next level!

The best part of this recipe is that the whole meal comes together in 45 minutes and everything cooks in just one pan making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Why Southwest Chicken Pasta is Healthy?

This Southwest Chicken Pasta recipe is a healthy and balanced meal, especially when made with wholesome ingredients. Here’s why:

High in Lean Protein – Chicken breasts provide lean protein that keeps you full and supports muscle health.

Rich in Fiber – Black beans and corn add fiber for better digestion and blood sugar control.

Balanced Carbs – Pasta gives your body the energy it needs to stay satisfied.

Lower in Fat and Calories – Using lean chicken, minimal cheese and no heavy cream makes this dish lighter and delicious.

What to Serve with Southwest Chicken Pasta for a Healthy Meal?

Here are my favorite healthy sides for this dish:

Healthy Caesar Salad – Light and fresh with a tangy homemade Healthy Dressing.

Simply Roasted Vegetables – A mix of colorful veggies roasted to perfection.

Healthy Whole Wheat Bagels – Soft and hearty, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Ingredients for Healthy Southwest Chicken Pasta

• chicken breasts
• olive oil
• medium onion
• garlic
• taco seasoning
• bell peppers
• Roma tomatoes
• chicken broth
• ziti or penne pasta
• black beans
• frozen corn
• shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper
• fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

How To Make Healthy Southwest Chicken Pasta?

Here’s a quick and easy way to make Southwest Chicken Pasta in one pot:

Sear the Chicken – Heat 1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil, cook diced chicken for 5–6 minutes, then set aside.

Sauté Aromatics – Add remaining oil, cook onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.

Add Veggies – Stir in bell peppers and tomatoes, cook for 3 minutes.

Season & Combine – Return chicken, add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Add Pasta & Broth – Pour in broth, water, and pasta. Simmer for 10–12 minutes.

Add Beans & Corn – Stir in black beans and corn, simmer for 8–10 minutes.

Melt the Cheese – Top with shredded cheese, cover, and let melt.

Garnish & Serve – Finish with fresh cilantro or parsley and enjoy!

How Many Calories in Healthy Southwest Chicken Pasta?

Healthy Southwest Chicken Pasta

Here’s healthy one pot Southwest Chicken Pasta for a quick and delicious dinner! Packed with lean chicken, black beans, corn, and a rich sauce, this flavorful Southwest pasta recipe is ready in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this high-protein, low-fat meal is a family favorite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 6 servings

Calories 468 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 large (~570 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil divided
• 1 medium (150 g) onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2-3 tsp. taco seasoning adjust to taste
• 2 medium (450 g) bell peppers, diced
• 2 large (300 g) Roma tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups water you may need more or less
• 2 cups (200 g) ziti or penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz can)
• 1 cup (170 g) frozen corn
• 1 cup (60 g) shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat 1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Add the remaining 1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil to the same pan.
• Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Stir in the diced bell peppers and tomatoes. Cook for another 3 minutes.
• Return the cooked chicken to the pan, season with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Stir well.
• Pour in the chicken broth and 1 ½ cups of water.
• Add the ziti or penne pasta and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente or almost tender.
• Add a little more water if the liquid is absorbed too quickly.
• Stir in the black beans and frozen corn. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover the pan and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

How Many Calories in Healthy Southwest Chicken Pasta?

Calories (1 serve, 12oz/335g): 468 kcal	Calories (per 100g): 140 kcal
Protein: 43.4 g	Protein: 13.0 g
Carbohydrates: 48.6 g	Carbohydrates: 14.5 g
Fat: 11.6 g	Fat: 3.5 g

Keyword One pot pasta, Southwest chicken, Chicken pasta recipe, Easy chicken pasta, Healthy pasta dish, Quick one pot meal, Mexican chicken pasta, Taco pasta recipe, High-protein pasta, Easy weeknight dinner