If you’re craving something that combines all your favorite bold and creamy flavors without a mountain of dishes to wash, the One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken spiced with zesty taco seasoning, mingling with rich Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all in one pot for ultimate convenience. This dish hits every note from creamy and cheesy to vibrant and savory, delivering a fiesta of flavor that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s effortlessly impressive whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or just treating yourself to a satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients pack a punch in flavor and texture, building the perfect balance of creamy richness, bold taco spices, and fresh brightness. Each component is key to achieving the taste and color that makes this dish a standout.
- Chicken breasts: Cubed for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
- Taco seasoning: Adds that unmistakable spicy, smoky flair that wakes up the whole dish.
- Butter: Divided to enrich the sauce and sauté the chicken for depth of flavor.
- Penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully, with just the right chew.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory notes as it cooks.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, silky Alfredo base you’ll want to dive into.
- Mexican blend cheese: Melts perfectly, bringing gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Diced tomatoes: Inject a fresh pop of color and light acidity to brighten each bite.
- Cotija cheese: A crumbly, salty finishing touch that crowns the dish with extra flavor.
How to Make One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken
Start by seasoning your cubed chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and that vibrant taco seasoning. Heat up one tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat, then toss in the chicken pieces. Cook until they’re golden and just cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This initial sear locks in flavor and gives you those caramelized edges that make every bite exciting.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta with Broth
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the penne pasta straight into the same pot, pour in the chicken broth, and bring it all to a simmer. Cooking the pasta in broth rather than water instantly boosts the savory notes of the dish. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is just shy of al dente—about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Once the pasta has absorbed most of the broth but is not fully soft, reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream along with the remaining butter. This is where the magic happens. The cream melts into the starchy broth, creating that ultra-smooth, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Cheese, and Tomatoes
Add the chicken back into the pot along with the shredded Mexican blend cheese and the diced tomatoes. Stir everything carefully, allowing the cheese to melt fully and the tomatoes to distribute their freshness through the creamy sauce. This combination of ingredients balances richness with zing, bringing the dish to life.
Step 5: Finish with Cotija Cheese
Just before serving, sprinkle the grated cotija cheese over the top. Its crumbly texture and salty punch take the One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe to the next level, adding a delightful contrast that keeps each forkful exciting and delicious.
How to Serve One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add extra layers of flavor and a burst of color. Try topping your pasta with chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime for brightness, or even some sliced jalapeños if you want to turn up the heat a notch. Each addition complements the dish’s creamy, smoky base wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Since this meal is rich and indulgent, lighter sides work best to balance it out. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini are perfect partners. They refresh the palate and add crunch to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For an easy, crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the pasta straight from the pot at the center of the table. Alternatively, plate it in shallow bowls, garnish attractively, and drizzle a little extra cream or hot sauce on top to impress your guests with both flavor and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to give it a good stir before sealing to keep the sauce evenly distributed and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Freezing
This One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe freezes well, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces sometimes change texture when frozen. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and consume within two months for best flavor and consistency.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep everything creamy and smooth, just like when it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or even rotini based on what you have available. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the chicken for sturdy vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The taco seasoning and cheese will still deliver plenty of flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free butter, a plant-based cream substitute, and a vegan cheese blend, you can still enjoy all the creamy, spiced goodness without dairy.
How spicy is the One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe?
The heat level mostly comes from the taco seasoning. You can adjust it by using mild taco seasoning for a gentle flavor or adding extra chili powder or cayenne for more kick.
Can I prepare part of this recipe ahead of time?
You can season and chop the chicken ahead, or even cook and refrigerate it. Then just add it to the pasta during the sauce-making step for a quicker finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and convenience of the One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe when you want a meal that feels special without hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying in every sense, bringing a touch of fiesta to your plate with ease. Give this recipe a whirl and get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest, most delicious pasta dishes you’ll ever make.
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 is a delicious fusion recipe combining the creamy richness of traditional Alfredo pasta with the bold, spicy flavors of a classic taco. Tender cubed chicken breasts are seasoned with taco spices, then cooked with penne pasta, chicken broth, and a creamy blend of heavy cream and Mexican cheeses. Finished with diced tomatoes and cotija cheese, this dish offers a savory, comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 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
- Prepare and Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Pasta and Liquids: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the pot and let the pasta cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Combine and Add Cheese: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Finish with Tomatoes and Cotija: Add the diced tomatoes and grated cotija cheese to the pasta. Stir gently to combine and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta immediately, garnishing with extra cotija cheese or chopped cilantro if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra taco seasoning.
- You can substitute penne pasta with any other preferred pasta shape like rotini or rigatoni.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook pasta uncovered a few minutes longer to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving adds a fresh vibrant flavor.
