South Of The Border Fettucini With Grilled Chicken And Black Beans
A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish combining grilled chicken, black beans, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro in a spicy, savory sauce perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet.
- Add crushed fresh tomatoes, canned black beans, chopped cilantro leaves, minced jalapeno, and minced garlic.
- Saute for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet.
- Add diced grilled chicken breast and white wine; simmer.
- Add chicken stock and simmer until reduced by 1/4.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Drop fettucini noodles into the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes.
- Drain the pasta.
- Top the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the sauce for a deeper, smoky taste. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes can be substituted. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled zucchini or mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad topped with avocado. For a complete meal, consider serving with warm tortillas or a side of guacamole. A chilled glass of white wine enhances the flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to this vibrant pasta dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying out. You can also use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Of The Border Fettucini With Grilled Chicken And Black Beans contains roughly 555 calories, with 20g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (483% of the Daily Value), iron (155% of the Daily Value), and potassium (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 464mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and grilled chicken in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the fettucini fresh before serving. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the pasta perfectly al dente.
What type of chicken can I use?
You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken. For a leaner option, consider using chicken breast. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken strips from the grocery store work well too.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, modify the amount of minced jalapeño according to your preference. For a milder flavor, use less jalapeño or substitute it with a dash of chili powder. Conversely, if you enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).