Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine with the most mouthwatering, flavor-packed meal you'll ever experience! This Cheesy Chicken Taco One Pot Pasta is about to become your new obsession - imagine the zesty kick of tacos, the comfort of creamy pasta, and the convenience of a single-pot meal that'll have your family begging for seconds. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's so easy, it'll make you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 oz pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup corn, frozen
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Measure out the taco seasoning, pasta, chicken broth, shredded cheese, frozen corn, and drained black beans.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink in the center.
- Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning.
- Add the pasta to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After the pasta is cooked, stir in the frozen corn and black beans. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the corn is heated through and the beans are warmed.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, fresh cilantro, or your favorite taco toppings if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh taco seasoning and consider toasting it slightly in the pan with the chicken before adding liquid.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushiness. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- If you want to make this dish even more exciting, try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.
- For a protein boost, you can substitute the chicken with ground beef or turkey, or make it vegetarian by using plant-based protein.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
