Chicken Taco Pasta
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold taco flavor, this Chicken Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that’s fast, satisfying, and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something hearty and full of flavor, this quick dinner recipe comes together in under 40 minutes. Combining pasta shells, seasoned ground chicken, black beans, and melty cheese, it's a one-pot wonder that hits all the marks. Ideal for those looking for easy dinner ideas, quick meals, and family-friendly food ideas, this dish is also incredibly customizable to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 225 g pasta shells
- 450 g ground chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning about 2 tablespoons
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 115 g cream cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- 3. Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- 4. Sprinkle in taco seasoning. Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, and chicken broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- 5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until smooth and well incorporated.
- 6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and fold everything together gently.
- 7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes. Stir to combine.
- 8. Garnish with fresh cilantro if using. Serve hot with tortilla chips or your favorite sides.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and creaminess.
Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
To reduce spice, use mild taco seasoning and tomatoes without chiles.
Nutrition
Serving: 1bowlCalories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5g
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