Description

Chicken Taco Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed easy dinner that brings taco night and pasta night into one comforting skillet. Tender chicken, pasta shells, black beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and melted cheese come together for a quick weeknight meal, family dinner idea, and cozy food idea you can make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced

12 ounces medium pasta shells

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 can 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels

3 cups chicken broth

4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, salt, and black pepper, then cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and mostly cooked through.

2. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken and stir well for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

4. Add diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, corn, pasta shells, and chicken broth. Stir until the pasta is mostly covered.

5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender.

6. Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.

7. Add cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese a handful at a time, stirring until creamy.

8. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Stir the pasta often while it simmers so the shells cook evenly and do not stick to the bottom of the pot.

Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce becomes too thick before serving.

For extra taco-night flavor, top with crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or more cilantro.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 525
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 92mg

Keywords: Chicken Taco Pasta, easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, taco pasta, cheesy pasta, family dinner idea, food ideas