Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, this One-Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta brings together everything you love about tacos and pasta—without the stack of dirty dishes. It’s a weeknight hero that hits the table in just 30 minutes, thanks to its streamlined one-pot cooking method. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or craving a comforting dinner with a kick, this dish delivers every time.
With tender chunks of taco-seasoned chicken, a rich cheesy sauce, and al dente bowtie pasta cooked right in the skillet, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once—and crave forever.
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One-Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta: The Ultimate Tex-Mex Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort food meets weeknight convenience. Juicy taco-seasoned chicken, bowtie pasta, and a rich, cheesy Tex-Mex sauce come together in a single skillet. Finished with a splash of lime and a sprinkle of fresh garnish, this creamy pasta delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup diced white onion
1 1/2 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 (or a mix of milk and cream)
2 cups shredded cheddar-jack style cheese
Juice of 1 lime
2 to 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
Chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onion for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then stir in the diced onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken pieces, tossing to coat evenly. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once, until lightly browned.
3. Add the dry pasta, chicken broth, and half-and-half to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Add the lime juice and mix well.
6. Remove from heat and top with diced tomatoes and your choice of fresh garnish before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat dairy for a richer texture, or substitute light cream if desired. For added spice, toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated with a splash of broth or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: One-pot skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta
Bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite
There’s something instantly crave-worthy about Tex-Mex. This pasta captures that essence by starting with chicken seasoned in smoky taco spices. As it browns, the seasoning blooms in the hot pan, releasing its aroma and flavor into the base of the dish. With a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh toppings, every bite is vibrant and full of character.
One-pot ease for busy weeknights
No one has time for a pile of dishes after a long day. This recipe is a true one-pot wonder—everything cooks in the same skillet, from sautéing onions and chicken to simmering the pasta in broth and half-and-half. It’s the ultimate fix when you need a fast, flavorful dinner that doesn’t leave your sink overflowing with pots and pans.
Perfectly creamy without the fuss
You won’t find any complicated roux or heavy cream here. The sauce gets its velvety texture from a simple combination of broth, half-and-half, and melted cheddar-jack cheese. The starch from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce as it simmers, creating a rich, comforting dish with minimal effort.
The Secret to Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta
Using half-and-half for balanced richness
Many creamy pastas rely on full cream, which can feel heavy. This recipe lightens the load by using half-and-half—a mix of milk and cream—for just the right amount of richness. It gives the sauce body and flavor without overpowering the rest of the ingredients. And because it’s simmered with the pasta, it thickens beautifully without curdling or separating.
The magic of taco-seasoned chicken
Tossing the chicken pieces in taco seasoning before cooking infuses them with bold spices and a slight smokiness that defines the dish. As the chicken cooks, those flavors deepen and mix into the pasta, creating a dish that’s layered, not flat. The seared bits at the bottom of the pan? That’s flavor gold.
Stirring in cheese for the dreamiest texture
Shredded cheddar-jack cheese melts seamlessly into the pasta once the liquid has reduced. Stirring it in at the end creates a smooth, cheesy coating that hugs every piece of bowtie pasta and blends with the lime and tomatoes for a dish that tastes as vibrant as it looks.
Ingredient Deep Dive: What Makes This Recipe Shine
Choosing the right chicken for juicy bites
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the protein of choice here for good reason—it cooks quickly and stays tender when simmered in liquid. Cutting the chicken into one-inch pieces helps it brown evenly while staying juicy inside. For even more flavor, let it rest a few minutes in the taco seasoning before adding it to the pan.
Why bowtie pasta holds sauce so well
Not all pasta shapes are created equal. Bowtie pasta, or farfalle, has little ridges and folds that catch sauce like a net. As the dish simmers, these little pockets grab onto the creamy, cheesy mixture, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, they cook evenly and hold their shape in one-pot dishes—no mushy noodles here.
Fresh toppings that brighten the whole dish
A final flourish of diced Roma tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onion adds brightness and color to the finished dish. That pop of acidity from the tomato and freshness from the herbs cuts through the richness of the sauce, making each bowl feel light and balanced.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta Perfectly Every Time
Sauté, simmer, stir: the three key steps
Start by softening the onion in olive oil, then add your taco-seasoned chicken and let it brown to develop flavor. Stir in the dry pasta, broth, and half-and-half, and bring the whole thing to a gentle boil. Once you lower the heat and cover the pot, let the magic happen—tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a naturally thickened sauce will be waiting in just 15 minutes.
Avoiding overcooked pasta and dry chicken
The secret here is not overcooking. Stir once midway through to keep things moving, and check your pasta at the 12-minute mark. If it’s al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, you’re ready for cheese. And because the chicken is cut small, it cooks quickly—no risk of it drying out if you keep a close eye on the clock.
Garnishing like a pro for flavor and color
Right before serving, squeeze in the juice of one fresh lime for brightness. Then top each serving with diced tomatoes and your favorite green garnish. It’s a small step that elevates the dish, turning it from a simple skillet dinner into something you’d proudly serve to guests—or post to Instagram.
Creative Variations on One-Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta
Make it spicy with jalapeños or chipotle
If you like a little heat, stir in diced jalapeños with the onions or add a spoonful of chipotle in adobo to the sauce. Either will give the dish a smoky kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and lime.
Turn it into a chicken taco pasta bake
For a heartier option, transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden. This transforms the skillet dinner into a chicken taco pasta bake that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for the week.
Add beans or corn for a Tex-Mex twist
Black beans, sweet corn, or even diced bell peppers make great additions if you want to bulk up the dish or sneak in extra veggies. Just toss them in when you add the broth and pasta, and let them simmer along with everything else.
More One-Pot Chicken Dinners You’ll Love
If this One-Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta has you hooked on easy dinners packed with flavor, you’ll want to check out a few more recipes that deliver on both taste and convenience.
The one-pot spicy chicken and rice is a fan-favorite for those who love a little kick and a meal that simmers into something special without a second thought.
Or try the cheesy chicken burrito skillet, which wraps up all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in a sizzling skillet that’s ready in minutes.
Weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be boring or complicated—and these dishes prove it.
FAQs About One-Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta
What is the easiest way to make chicken taco pasta?
The easiest way to make easy chicken taco pasta is by using a single skillet, pre-cut chicken, and pantry staples like taco seasoning and broth. Let the pasta cook right in the sauce so you skip boiling water and minimize dishes.
Can I turn this into a chicken taco pasta bake?
Absolutely. Once the pasta is finished and creamy, transfer it to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake or broil until bubbly and golden. You’ve now created a satisfying chicken taco pasta bake with just a few extra minutes of effort.
How do I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and cheese alternative, and check your taco seasoning for hidden dairy. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful, especially if you stir in some avocado or dairy-free sour cream at the end.
What pasta works best for taco pasta dishes?
Bowtie pasta holds up beautifully, but other short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells also work. Just be sure to adjust the simmer time slightly if using a different shape.
Conclusion: A Creamy, Cheesy Pasta That Delivers Every Time
Why this dish is a new weeknight staple
From its bold flavor to its effortless cleanup, One-Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Pasta checks all the boxes for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
Tips for storing and reheating leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess without drying it out.
Share this meal with friends or freeze for later
This recipe also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and you’ve got dinner ready for your busiest nights. Just reheat and garnish with fresh herbs or tomatoes to bring it back to life.
It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed around, requested often, and added to the permanent rotation—because it just works.
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