Description
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta Skillet is a one-pan weeknight wonder bursting with bold taco flavor! Juicy chicken, tender pasta, zesty seasoning, and gooey melted cheese come together in under 30 minutes for a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and pasta. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Add cheeses and stir until melted and creamy.
- Top with optional garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Swap out the pasta for gluten-free or whole wheat if preferred.
- Add black beans or corn for more texture and flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken taco pasta, taco pasta skillet, one-pan dinner, tex-mex pasta, easy chicken recipe