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Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta Skillet

One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta Skillet (30-Min Dinner!)

A quick and easy one-pan skillet meal featuring tender chicken, elbow macaroni, and a zesty, cheesy taco-flavored sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • Main:
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 2½ cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Sauce & Flavor:
  • 10 oz can Rotel (undrained)
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk
  • Seasonings:
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried cilantro
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • Cheese:
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • For Garnish:
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cook Chicken & Onion: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add cubed chicken and chopped onion. Sauté until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
  2. Season: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and onions in taco-inspired flavor.
  3. Add Pasta & Sauce: Add minced garlic, elbow macaroni, chicken broth, Rotel (with juices), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low. Cover and let cook for about 12 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Make It Cheesy: Add the shredded Colby Jack cheese and milk. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm. Enjoy this easy, cheesy, one-pan dinner!

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Any small pasta shape can be used in place of elbow macaroni.
  • Feel free to add other toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
  • Author: Sabrine Jay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: chicken, pasta, taco, skillet, cheesy, one-pan, quick dinner