Spicy Chicken & Pasta Skillet

Two of my favorite foods are pasta & Mexican food. This recipe combines the best of both. It was a quick & easy dinner and was delicious! Enjoy!

Spicy Chicken & Pasta Skillet
Serves 4

1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 Tb. olive oil
1 cup small shells or mini bow-ties pasta, uncooked
1 cup salsa (I used pace medium)
1 cup corn, drained and rinsed
3 oz. cream cheese
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or colby-jack cheese (or pepper jack if you want it spicier)
2 Tb. finely chopped cilantro
salt, fresh ground black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to taste
sour cream, sliced green onions, sliced olives, and cilantro (optional) for garnish

1. Cook pasta according to package directions
2. While pasta is cooking, coat chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to taste. Cook chicken over medium-high heat about six minutes, or until done (no longer pink in the center). Add salsa, corn, cream cheese, cumin, and cilantro. Simmer for 5 minutes, until cream cheese is melted.
3. Drain pasta. Stir pasta and 1/4 cup cheese into chicken mixture. Simmer for 3 more minutes, until cheese is completely melted.
4. Top with cheese, sour cream, olives, cilantro, and green onions.