Chicken Taco Pasta

Turn your weeknight dinner into a fiesta with this irresistible Chicken Taco Pasta! This one-pot wonder combines tender, bite-sized chicken, perfectly seasoned with a medley of bold taco spices, with al dente pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies. A creamy, cheesy blend of melted cream cheese and sharp cheddar ties it all together, creating a luscious, Tex-Mex-inspired dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Ready in just 40 minutes and perfect for six hearty servings, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser for busy families or casual gatherings. Top it off with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor, and watch as this fusion favorite becomes a dinner staple in no time.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 12 ounces Rotini or penne pasta
• 3 cups Chicken broth
• 14.5 ounces Diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 4 ounces Cream cheese
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, until no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with green chilies (including their juices) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6

Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and stir it into the skillet until fully melted and incorporated. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and stir gently until melted and creamy.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2197.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2544.5

Total Fat 124.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.3g
Cholesterol 620.1mg	0%
Sodium 6756.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 142.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.9g	0%
Total Sugars 19.3g
Protein 209.7g	0%

Vitamin D 28.5IU	0%
Calcium 1149.6mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 2951.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.3%

Protein: 33.2%

Carbs: 22.5%