This Bored of Lunch Tex Mex Chicken Pasta is inspired by the flavors of chicken fajitas, made in the slow cooker using chicken breasts, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, and paprika.

To make Bored of Lunch Tex-Mex Chicken Pasta in your slow cooker or crockpot, combine the chicken, spices, garlic, onion, and tomatoes. Cook on high for 3 hours, then add the red pepper, soured cream, pasta, and chicken stock, cooking for another 50 minutes. Stir in the cheese and garnish with fresh coriander.

The key to successful pasta in the slow cooker is to stir the pasta only once or twice so it doesn’t lose its shape. If you are short on time, use a premade fajita spice mix instead of the dried spices.

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Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
• ½ red pepper, chopped
• 150ml soured cream
• 300g dried penne pasta
• 200ml hot chicken stock
• 100g Cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh coriander, to garnish

How To Make Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Tex Mex Chicken Pasta

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into chunks, crushing the garlic cloves, and chopping the onion and red pepper.
2. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken chunks, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, paprika, crushed garlic, chopped onion, and the chopped tomatoes into the slow cooker. Stir everything together to mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook Initial Ingredients: Set your slow cooker to high and cook the mixture for 3 hours.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: After 3 hours, add the chopped red pepper, soured cream, dried penne pasta, and hot chicken stock to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
5. Continue Cooking: Cover and cook for an additional 50 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired texture.
6. Finish and Garnish: Once the pasta is done, stir in the grated Cheddar cheese until it melts and mixes well with the pasta. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?

To make the sauce thicker, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste when you add the chopped tomatoes. Another option is to let the dish cook uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Recipe Tips

• Seasoning Your Chicken: When seasoning your chicken, make sure to coat each piece thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Cooking Time Adjustment: If your slow cooker runs hotter or cooler than usual, adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken and pasta are perfectly cooked.
• Pre-Cooking the Pasta: For a firmer texture, consider pre-cooking the pasta for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Fresh Herbs Addition: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end of the cooking process can enhance the freshness and flavor of the dish.

Recipe Variations

• Spicier Version: Add extra chili powder or fresh chopped jalapeños to the mix if you prefer a spicier version of this dish.
• Different Protein: Swap the chicken for ground beef or turkey for a different protein option that still works beautifully with the Tex-Mex flavors.
• Cheese Alternatives: Try using Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses instead of Cheddar to change up the flavor profile slightly.
• Adding Veggies: Include more vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach to boost the nutritional content and add more color and flavor to the pasta.

What To Serve With Tex Mex Pasta

Serve your Tex Mex Chicken Pasta with vibrant sides like avocado salad, Mexican street corn, or fresh cilantro lime rice.

You can also pair it with grilled vegetables, or warm, homemade tortilla chips for an extra crunch.

How To Store Leftover Tex Mex Pasta

In The Fridge:

To store leftover Tex Mex Pasta in the fridge, place it in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent any odors from other foods. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and safe to eat.

In The Freezer:

You can freeze Tex Mex Pasta by transferring it to a freezer-safe container, ensuring there is some space for expansion. It should be consumed within 3 months for the best taste.

How To Reheat Leftover Tex Mex Pasta

Reheat your leftover Tex Mex Pasta by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and covering it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for two to three minutes, stirring halfway through.

Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• Bored of Lunch Honey and Mustard Ham
• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese