One-Pot Chicken Taco Pasta: A Bold, Comforting Weeknight Hero

One-pot meals have revolutionized the way home cooks approach busy weeknights, and this One-Pot Chicken Taco Pasta is a perfect example of how simplicity can still bring bold, satisfying flavor. Blending the spicy, zesty charm of taco night with the cozy, creamy texture of pasta, this dish is designed for maximum taste with minimal cleanup. Swapping out pork or beef with lean ground chicken makes it a lighter option that still delivers the heartiness we all crave after a long day. If you’re new to cooking or simply want a quick, delicious dinner without sacrificing depth of flavor, this one-pot meal is the answer. Everything cooks together—no extra pots or pans, no complicated steps. It’s a complete, family-friendly dinner in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients and Preparation

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to bring this dish together. These ingredients are simple, accessible, and easy to find in most pantries or local stores.

Main Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground chicken – Lean ground chicken is a lighter protein but still absorbs the taco seasoning well. You may also use ground beef as a substitute.
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onion and chicken.
3. 1 small yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and aromatic base to the dish.
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for rich flavor.
5. 1 packet taco seasoning – Choose your favorite brand or make your own.
6. 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Provides the liquid base for cooking pasta and creating the sauce.
7. 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles – For acidity, texture, and a mild kick.
8. 1/2 cup tomato sauce – Binds the sauce and deepens the flavor.
9. 2 cups uncooked pasta – Elbow macaroni, penne, or shells are ideal.
10. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into a gooey, creamy finish.

Optional Add-ins and Toppings

• 1/2 cup frozen corn – Adds sweetness and texture.
• 1/2 cup canned black beans – Rinsed and drained, these add fiber and extra protein.
• Sliced green onions or jalapeños – For garnish or added spice.
• Chopped cilantro – Freshens up the dish and balances richness.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Offers a cooling, creamy topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps closely to get a perfect one-pot pasta dish every time:

1. Heat oil and sauté aromatics
   • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the ground chicken
   • Add 1 lb ground chicken to the pot.
   • Break it apart using a spatula or spoon and cook for 5–6 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
   • Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Add taco seasoning and liquids
   • Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and let it toast slightly for 30 seconds.
   • Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, and 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (including liquid).
   • Stir until evenly mixed.
4. Incorporate the pasta
   • Add 2 cups of uncooked pasta.
   • Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged and coated with sauce.
   • Bring everything to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer covered
   • Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
   • Let simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • If using corn or black beans, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Stir in cheese
   • When pasta is tender and most liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat.
   • Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
   • Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve with toppings
   • Spoon into bowls and top with your choice of chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, jalapeños, or sour cream.
   • Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Watch your pasta: Different pasta shapes cook at different times. Start checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark to avoid mushy results.
• Customize the spice: Taco seasoning levels vary. If you prefer milder flavor, use half a packet and add more later if needed.
• Stir often: One-pot pasta can stick if not stirred occasionally, especially as the liquid reduces.
• Cheese options: Use any good melting cheese—Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you like heat.
• Make it creamier: For an extra-rich texture, add 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese with the shredded cheese at the end.
• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is wonderfully flexible and can be served in several creative ways:

1. Standalone meal – With protein, carbs, and veggies in one pot, this dish needs nothing else.
2. Side salad – Pair with a crisp romaine or mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette to lighten things up.
3. Taco bowl twist – Spoon the pasta into a bowl and top with avocado slices, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips for texture.
4. Wrap filling – Use leftovers as a taco or burrito filling. Wrap it in warm tortillas with extra cheese and lettuce.
5. Family-style serving – Serve directly from the pot at the dinner table for a warm, casual family dinner.

Print

Engagement Features

1. Customization prompts
   • What would you add to make this your own? Roasted bell peppers? A dollop of guacamole?
   • Try it with different pastas—what works best for you?
   • Let us know: team spicy or team mild?
2. Invite readers to share
   • Did you make this One-Pot Chicken Taco Pasta? Comment below with your favorite add-ins or toppings.
   • Share your version on social media and tag your post with a fun name—maybe Taco Pasta Night?
3. Cooking challenge
   • Can you make it dairy-free? Try a dairy-free cheese alternative and report back on the results.
   • Want to add more vegetables? Throw in diced zucchini or chopped spinach and let us know how it went.

This One-Pot Chicken Taco Pasta is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal. With minimal ingredients, just one pot, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s the kind of recipe that works for every cook—from beginners learning their way around the kitchen to experienced home chefs looking for a dependable, crowd-pleasing meal. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. With endless variations and easy substitutions, this dish is more than a recipe—it’s a canvas for flavor exploration. Ready to give it a try? Make it tonight and let your taste buds do the talking.