If you’re craving a dish that brings together the creamy goodness of Alfredo with the bold, zesty flavors of taco seasoning, you’re going to fall head over heels for this One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender chicken, luscious cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in one single pot — making dinner time both easy and incredibly satisfying. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a fiesta of flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special without a mountain of dishes to clean up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creamy texture, a punch of flavor, or a pop of color. These simple essentials come together to create a comforting dish that’s both quick and incredibly delicious.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into cubes for even cooking and tender bites throughout.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors perfectly.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the chicken with that bold, smoky spice you’ll love.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Penne pasta: Holds the sauce well with its tube shape and cooks up al dente.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the cooking liquid, infusing the pasta with savory depth.
- Heavy cream: The star of the Alfredo sauce, delivering irresistible creaminess.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts into the sauce for cheesy, melty goodness with a southwestern twist.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds a fresh, juicy contrast and a touch of color to the dish.
- Grated cotija cheese: A crumbly, salty topper that adds texture and a burst of flavor right before serving.
How to Make One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and that vibrant taco seasoning. Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cubes to brown slightly—this layer of caramelization adds incredible flavor, although the chicken won’t be fully cooked just yet, and that’s perfectly fine since it will finish cooking with the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Next up, pour in your chicken broth and add the penne pasta directly into the pot with the chicken. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the pasta soaks up all those savory juices, becoming tender but still holding just the right bite. This step is magic since it blends all the flavors together while cooking in just one pot!
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection and most of the broth has been absorbed, it’s time to make the creamy Alfredo sauce. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the heavy cream to the pot, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes. Then, mix in the shredded Mexican blend cheese and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the pasta and chicken, creating that luscious texture that makes this One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle generously with cotija cheese. This final touch adds a salty zing and crumbly texture that elevates each bite. Serve it hot and get ready for warm, cheesy comfort with a punch of taco flair!
How to Serve One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions, which add a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich creaminess. Adding a few slices of avocado or a dollop of sour cream can also bring a creamy coolness that complements the bold seasonings perfectly.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is rich and filling, consider pairing it with a light, crisp salad with lime vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. These options add crunch and freshness that balance out the creamy pasta delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in small ramekins or individual bowls and top with a wedge of lime for squeezing, allowing everyone to adjust acidity to their liking. You could also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top for an unexpected crunchy finish that ties into the taco theme wonderfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day leftovers a real treat.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that pasta texture might soften a bit after freezing, but the savory flavors will remain just as delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to evenly warm and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly, feel free to swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed to reach that perfect al dente texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The taco seasoning adds a mild to moderate kick depending on the brand you choose. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the spice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Choose a vegan cheese substitute or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter, dairy-free meal.
How can I make the chicken extra tender?
To ensure tender chicken, cut the pieces into uniform sizes and avoid overcooking them during the initial browning step. Since they finish cooking while simmering with the pasta, this method keeps them juicy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe packs well in containers and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is truly a weeknight hero — it’s fast, flavorful, and oh-so-cheesy with the perfect blend of Mexican-inspired spice and classic Alfredo creaminess. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to keep on repeat once you try it. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and get ready to fall in love with a pasta that brings fiesta vibes right into your home kitchen!
Print
One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American fusion
Description
This One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta combines the rich creaminess of traditional Alfredo with the bold flavors of taco seasoning in a quick and easy skillet meal. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are sautéed and simmered with penne pasta in savory chicken broth, then finished with a luscious blend of heavy cream, Mexican cheeses, and fresh diced tomatoes. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 14 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons grated cotija cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and taco seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the chicken broth and penne pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the heavy cream to the skillet with the pasta and chicken. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the sauce is well combined and begins to thicken. Mix in the shredded Mexican blend cheese and diced tomatoes, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve: Sprinkle grated cotija cheese over the top of the pasta before serving. Serve hot for a creamy, flavorful dish with a taco twist.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with other similar shapes like rigatoni or ziti.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to control the spice level.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
- If chicken breasts are large, consider cutting them into smaller cubes for even cooking.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned diced tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering the pasta to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pan.
