Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta is a bold, satisfying skillet dinner that brings together Tex-Mex spice, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy finish. Designed for real life, this one-pot meal delivers depth of flavor without complicated steps or extra dishes. Everything cooks in a single pan, which means faster prep, easier cleanup, and consistent results every time. With balanced seasoning, a smooth cheese sauce, and fresh citrus at the end, this dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights while still feeling special enough to serve to guests.
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Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta (One-Pot Tex-Mex Dinner Everyone Loves)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A one-pot Tex-Mex inspired pasta made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Quick, filling, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
¾ cup diced white onion
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
16 ounces bowtie pasta
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
2 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese
2 fresh limes
2 to 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
Fresh parsley, cilantro, or sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook onion until soft.
2. Add seasoned chicken and cook until mostly done.
3. Stir in pasta, broth, and half-and-half and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Cover and simmer on low until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in cheese and lime juice until creamy.
6. Finish with tomatoes and fresh herbs, then serve.
Notes
For a spicier dish, use hot taco seasoning. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: One-Pot Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Why Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta Works for Busy Nights
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta flavor balance
This dish blends savory chicken, warm taco spices, and creamy dairy into a cohesive, well-rounded bite. The lime added at the end lifts the richness, keeping the flavors bright rather than heavy.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta as a one-pot meal
Cooking everything in one skillet allows the pasta to absorb seasoned liquid as it simmers. The result is deeper flavor and a naturally creamy texture without extra steps or separate boiling.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta appeal for families
Mild heat, familiar ingredients, and a cheesy finish make this dinner approachable for all ages. Garnishes can be added individually, so everyone gets their preferred level of freshness or spice.
Ingredients That Make Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta Stand Out
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta protein choices
Boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks quickly and stays tender when cut into even pieces. It absorbs seasoning well and provides a lean, high-protein base for the dish.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta cheese blend
A shredded cheddar-jack mix melts smoothly and offers both sharpness and creaminess. Grating your own cheese helps prevent clumping and ensures a silkier sauce.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta pasta shape tips
Bowtie pasta works especially well because its folds catch sauce and diced ingredients. Short, sturdy shapes hold up best during simmering and stirring.
How to Cook Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta Perfectly
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta skillet method
Start by softening diced onion in olive oil until translucent. Season the chicken evenly before adding it to the pan so flavor develops early and stays balanced throughout cooking.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta timing and heat control
Once the liquid and pasta are added, keep the heat low and the pan covered. Gentle simmering allows the pasta to cook evenly while thickening the sauce naturally.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta finishing touches
Stir in shredded cheese off direct heat so it melts smoothly. Fresh lime juice and tomatoes added last preserve their brightness and contrast the creamy base.
Customizing Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta at Home
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta heat level options
Adjust spice by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning. For extra warmth, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a small amount of diced jalapeño.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta veggie add-ins
Bell peppers, corn, or black beans can be stirred in during simmering for added texture and color. These additions enhance nutrition without altering the core flavor.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta dairy swaps
Half-and-half creates richness, but a mix of milk and light cream also works well. For a lighter finish, reduce cheese slightly and rely on the starch from the pasta for body.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta serving ideas
Serve straight from the skillet with fresh herbs and extra lime wedges. A crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables pair well on the side. If you enjoy hearty, comfort-driven dinners, you may also like this cheesy chicken rice burrito for another satisfying option.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta leftovers and storage
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta make-ahead tips
Chop the onion, dice the chicken, and shred the cheese in advance to speed up cooking. This preparation makes the final assembly fast and stress-free.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta FAQs
Chicken taco pasta bake
This recipe can be adapted for the oven by transferring the finished pasta to a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking until bubbly and lightly golden.
Chicken taco pasta with cream cheese
Cream cheese can replace part of the shredded cheese for a thicker, tangier sauce. Add it in small chunks and stir until fully melted.
Can this be made gluten free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free short pasta and monitor liquid closely, as cooking times may vary. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta Conclusion
Final thoughts on this Tex-Mex favorite
This skillet dinner delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it reliable for weeknights and casual entertaining alike.
When to serve it
It works equally well for quick family meals or relaxed gatherings where comfort food is welcome.
Why it earns a repeat spot
With flexible ingredients and consistent results, it is easy to return to this recipe again. For another creamy, spice-forward dinner idea, explore this creamy Cajun beef pasta for variety.
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