Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta
This Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta is a quick, one-pot Tex-Mex comfort meal loaded with tender chicken, zesty taco seasoning, and melty cheeses for a fiesta of flavor.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 0.5 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the pieces. Stir frequently, cooking the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside and has a nice golden color on the outside, about 6-8 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies along with the chicken broth. Stir to combine, then add the penne pasta directly to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover with a lid.
- Allow the pasta to cook until al dente, about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of extra chicken broth or water.
- When the pasta is almost cooked, stir in the corn kernels and black beans. Then add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy and cheesy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For quicker prep, buy pre-diced chicken breast from the store.
- If you prefer less sauce, reduce broth slightly and cook uncovered near the end.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well and flavors deepen overnight.
- Swap penne for rotini pasta for a different texture experience.