Cheesy One-Pot Chicken Taco Pasta
A delicious and easy one-pot meal that combines the flavors of chicken tacos with pasta for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Sliced jalapeños
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Green onions sliced
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with taco seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then add pasta. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Let pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
- Return cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Lower heat and add shredded cheeses. Stir continuously until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings such as fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice as desired.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of taco seasoning. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking. Add chicken broth if sauce becomes too thick.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free dish. Swap cheddar or Monterey Jack with your favorite cheese.
How to Serve: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare ingredients ahead of time for quicker cooking. Pre-cooked chicken can be used to save time.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free dish. Swap cheddar or Monterey Jack with your favorite cheese.
How to Serve: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare ingredients ahead of time for quicker cooking. Pre-cooked chicken can be used to save time.