Craving tacos and pasta? This creamy Chicken Taco Pasta is incredibly flavorful! Enjoy tender chicken and pasta shells smothered in a zesty, cheesy sauce with a hint of spice. It’s a quick, one-pan meal with a flavor everyone will love.
Looking for a new and exciting way to spice up your dinner routine? This chicken taco pasta recipe is the perfect solution! It combines the zesty, familiar flavors of tacos with the comforting, creamy goodness of pasta, all in a single skillet.
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Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes and hello to a delicious, hassle-free meal that the whole family will love. This recipe is simple to follow and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Check out our Chicken Recipes for more easy dinner ideas!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken Taco Pasta
- This one-pan chicken taco pasta is a weeknight lifesaver.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hot, hearty meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and creamy cheese creates a rich and savory sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken.
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- You will also love our Taco Pasta!
Ingredients & Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full chicken taco pasta recipe.
Use thawed or fresh chicken breast. Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well for this recipe. Feel free to use chicken thighs as well. Cut the chicken into equally sized 1 inch pieces.
Butter helps cook the chicken and adds a buttery flavor. Use oil if needed.
Minced garlic adds a delicious garlicky flavor.
Season with taco seasoning. Feel free to use a homemade version if desired.
Use a sugar free Rotel brand, or use fresh salsa.
Chicken broth and whole milk add the creaminess.
We like using whole wheat pasta shells for this recipe.
Shredded cheese makes the sauce extra creamy and thick! Use Mexican, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar cheese.
Lastly, garnish your chicken taco pasta with fresh herbs.
The Perfect Taste & Texture
The taste of this chicken taco pasta is a perfect mix of two favorite foods. The zesty flavor from the taco seasoning and tomatoes blends with the smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
The chicken is tender, and the pasta shells hold all that rich sauce. The final dish is creamy, savory, and a little spicy with a great mix of textures. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal the whole family will love!
How to Make
Step 1
First, add the chicken cubes to a large skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of butter.
Step 2
Once browned on all sides, add in the other tablespoon of butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 3
Then, add in the taco seasoning, tomatoes, broth, and milk. Bring to a boil.
Step 4
Once boiling, add in the pasta shells. Boil for 7 to 8 minutes, or until pasta is cooked.
Step 5
Turn the heat down to very low. Then, add in the shredded cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6
Lastly, top with fresh herbs if desired. Serve!
Expert Tips for Making the Best Chicken Taco Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s cooked to your liking. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits, so al dente is best.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, use plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Thickening the sauce: The sauce will naturally thicken as it cooks, but if you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can let it simmer on low heat for a few extra minutes. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Substituting dairy: For an even richer sauce, you can replace the whole milk with half and half. We don’t recommend using skim milk, as the sauce will be too thin.
Creative Flavor Variations for Your Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Protein: While the recipe calls for chicken breast, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, pork, chicken, or beef for a different texture and flavor.
Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding a can of black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers.
Toppings: Top this chicken taco pasta with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend would all work wonderfully.
Serving and Storing
Serve this chicken taco pasta hot directly from the skillet. It’s a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of cornbread.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency. This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells. Please double-check that your chicken broth and taco seasoning are also certified gluten-free.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Cook the chicken first, then add all the ingredients except the cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2. Stir in the shredded cheese at the end until it’s melted and creamy.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing it can sometimes change the texture of the creamy sauce, causing it to separate when thawed and reheated. However, if you do freeze it, make sure it’s in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to help it come back together.
Equipment Needed
Wooden Spoon: Mix the sauce, pasta, and chicken with a wooden spoon.
Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this pasta chicken dinner!
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If you enjoyed this easy cheesy chicken taco pasta recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! Check out these Dinner Recipes for more healthy and easy family dinner ideas.
