Name: Chicken Taco Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 packet taco seasoning; ½ cup diced onion; 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned); 1 cup salsa; ½ cup sour cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup cream cheese (optional); Fresh cilantro, for garnish

This Chicken Taco Pasta is the ultimate mash-up of Tex-Mex flavor and comforting, cheesy pasta goodness. It’s bold, creamy, and ready to win over any weeknight dinner table. Think taco night meets cozy pasta bake — all in one dish that hits every satisfying note.

The combination of tender chicken, taco seasoning, and a velvety cheese sauce folded into perfectly cooked pasta makes this a one-pot winner. It’s a no-fuss dinner packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Chicken Taco Pasta?

Short pasta is ideal here—rotini, penne, or shells hold onto all that saucy goodness. You want something with curves or ridges to capture the cheesy taco coating. Avoid spaghetti or angel hair, which can become clumpy with the heavier sauce.

Ingredients for the Chicken Taco Pasta

8 oz rotini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
½ cup diced onion
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
1 cup salsa
½ cup sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

How To Make the Chicken Taco Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and sprinkle taco seasoning over it. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in black beans and corn, cooking until warmed through.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Stir in salsa, sour cream, and cream cheese. Mix until smooth and bubbly. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top and cover with a lid for 2-3 minutes until melty. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Taco Pasta

Serve this dish hot, right out of the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or tortilla chips on the side. For a party-style setup, offer toppings like diced avocado, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime.

To store, let it cool and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. This pasta also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for chicken?

Ground beef, turkey, or even cooked shredded rotisserie chicken work great in place of diced chicken breast.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and double the beans or add a plant-based meat alternative.

How spicy is this recipe?

That depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you use. For a mild version, choose mild salsa and seasoning. Spice lovers can add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, just make sure it’s al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when mixed with the sauce.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar gives it that classic taco flavor, but pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a Mexican blend all work beautifully.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy, flavor-packed Chicken Taco Pasta, check out these other delicious dinners:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up again next taco night.

I’d love to see how you made it your own—did you add bell peppers? Toss in some chipotle heat? Leave a comment below and share your twist. And don’t forget to follow more recipes over on my Pinterest: Nina Dishes.

Chicken Taco Pasta

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A quick, creamy, and flavor-packed Chicken Taco Pasta loaded with cheesy Tex-Mex goodness. This easy one-pot meal blends the comfort of pasta with bold taco flavors for the ultimate weeknight dinner.

Instructions

1. Boil rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and taco seasoning. Cook for 6–8 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

3. Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in black beans and corn.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add salsa, sour cream, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.

5. Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

6. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat.

7. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese, cover, and let melt for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.