Description
This One Pot Taco Chicken Alfredo Pasta combines the comforting creaminess of Alfredo sauce with a zesty taco twist. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked with penne pasta in a rich blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and Mexican cheeses, delivering a flavorful and hearty meal that’s quick and easy to prepare in just one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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
Cheeses and Garnish
- ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons grated cotija cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning until evenly coated. This ensures the chicken absorbs all the bold taco flavors right from the start.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Chicken: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and combine thoroughly to meld all the flavors.
- Finish with Tomatoes and Cotija Cheese: Fold in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle the grated cotija cheese on top. Allow the heat to warm the tomatoes slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when cooking the chicken.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated cotija cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure to stir the pasta frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- You can substitute penne pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle.
