Taco Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Taco Chicken Alfredo is one of those recipes that brings together the best of two worlds, the bold flavors of tacos and the creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something hearty, flavorful, and a little out of the ordinary. Plus, it’s all cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

I’ve always loved experimenting with recipes that mix cuisines, and this dish quickly became a favorite in our house. The combination of taco-seasoned chicken, creamy pasta, and just a hint of spice from the diced tomatoes and green chilies creates a dish that is full of flavor.

If you’re a fan of tacos and pasta, you’re going to love this dish. In fact, I am sure you are going to love it so much that it will become a regular menu item in your house too.

Ingredients Required For Taco Chicken Alfredo

The ingredients for this recipe are common, easy to find items, and you probably have most of them on hand. Here’s what you will need:

• Chicken cutlets: Just like when making traditional Chicken Alfredo I prefer to use chicken cutlets. These cook quickly and stay tender when seasoned properly. You’ll season them with taco seasoning, which brings in the bold, smoky flavors we all love.
• Taco seasoning: A store-bought mix works great, but if you have a homemade version, that’s even better. You’ll use it in both the chicken and the pasta sauce.
• Pasta: I like using penne for this dish because it holds the creamy sauce so well. You could also substitute it with rotini or even fettuccine if you have those on hand.
• Heavy cream and cheese: These give the dish its creamy Alfredo base. If you’re looking to cut calories, I’ll share an alternative below.
• Diced tomatoes and green chilies: These add a touch of heat and a fresh tomato flavor that compliments the creaminess perfectly. You can choose between mild and hot, whatever you prefer.
• Cilantro: It adds a fresh pop of flavor that ties everything together.
• Optional Garnishes: I like to serve my Taco Chicken Alfredo with a dollop of sour cream and fresh salsa. But these are totally optional.

Taco Chicken Alfredo Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
• 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 small white onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 5-ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup water
• 4 ounces dried penne pasta
• 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
• 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the chicken: Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it with 1/2 tablespoon of the taco seasoning. Make sure both sides are evenly coated. This ensures the chicken has amazing flavor in every bite.

Cook the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and let it brown on one side before flipping it. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F when checked in the thickest portion with an instant read digital thermometer. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Once done, remove the taco seasoned chicken, cover and let it rest while you prepare the Alfredo sauce and pasta.

Cook the onions & garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the diced onion until it’s translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the base flavors for your sauce.

Make the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, water, pasta, and the remaining taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid so that it cooks properly. This takes about 10 minutes.

Slice the chicken: While the pasta is finishing, slice the cooked chicken into 1/4-inch thick slices.

Add cheese and cilantro: Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese and cilantro. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it rich and creamy.

Garnish and serve: Arrange the slices of chicken on top of the pasta before serving. For extra flavor, garnish the dish with fresh salsa, sour cream, and additional cilantro. Serve it straight from the skillet.

Lighten It Up

If you’re looking to reduce the calories in this Taco Chicken Alfredo dish, here are a few simple substitutions:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
• Replace the cheese with a reduced-fat Mexican blend or use less of it.
• Opt for whole-wheat pasta or a low-calorie pasta alternative like zucchini noodles, adjusting the cook time accordingly.

These small changes can make a big difference if you’re trying to keep things healthier.

Helpful Recipe Tips For Taco Chicken Alfredo

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on it while it simmers in the sauce. You want it al dente, so it has a little bite.
• Adjust the spice level: The diced tomatoes and green chilies add mild heat to the dish. If you’d like more spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and cilantro make a big difference in flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can skip it or replace it with parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Taco Chicken Alfredo is a meal in itself, but if you’d like to round it out, you can serve it with a simple side salad or bread. It’s also great with a side of roasted vegetables.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to the skillet to thin the sauce, as it tends to thicken when chilled.

Easy Comfort Food Meal

Taco Chicken Alfredo combines the comfort of pasta with the zesty flavors of tacos, making it a delicious dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two but can easily be doubled for a family meal. Plus, it’s all done in one skillet, so you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to make it your own with your favorite garnishes or a lighter twist. Whether you keep it indulgent or make it a little healthier, I am sure you will find yourself making Taco Chicken Alfredo over and over again.

Enjoy! Mary

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