Ground Chicken Taco Pasta

Name: Ground Chicken Taco Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground chicken; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp taco seasoning; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro and avocado for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Rapid Planning

I absolutely love this Ground Chicken Taco Pasta recipe because it brings together all the flavors of a classic taco in a comforting pasta dish. It’s a weeknight dinner that’s not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of ground chicken, spices, and pasta creates a delightful harmony that my family always enjoys. Plus, I love that it’s so versatile – you can easily incorporate your favorite taco toppings for an extra burst of flavor. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!

Created by

Portia Langford

Last updated on 2026-02-28T00:09:35.588Z

When I first created this Ground Chicken Taco Pasta, I wanted to find a way to combine two of my favorite meals into one dish. After several trials, I figured out the perfect blend of spices and ingredients that elevate the flavor profile. The combination of taco seasoning with the creaminess of melted cheese is truly irresistible!

What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily switch up the pasta type or add in my favorite toppings like avocado or cilantro to make it your own. It's so forgiving and genuinely bursts with flavor in every bite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Rich and zesty taco flavors combined with pasta
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
Customizable with your favorite taco toppings

Perfecting the Pasta

When cooking the penne pasta, make sure to add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water. This step enhances the flavor of the pasta itself and helps it stand up to the robust taco seasoning that will be added later. Aim for 'al dente' texture; this typically means cooking it for about 8-10 minutes, depending on your brand of pasta. Once drained, you can toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking before combining it with the other ingredients.

If you're looking to save time, you can use smaller pasta shapes like shells or fusilli. These types will hold sauce well and blend nicely with the flavorful chicken mixture. Just be mindful to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. The key is ensuring your chosen pasta maintains a firm bite, contributing to a satisfying overall texture in the dish.

Layering Flavors

The combination of onion and garlic is crucial for developing a rich flavor base. Ensure that you sauté the onion until it's translucent for about 3-5 minutes before adding the garlic. This sweetness will counterbalance the spices and acidity of the tomatoes. Adding the garlic just after allows it to become fragrant without burning, which can impart a bitter taste.

When incorporating the taco seasoning, feel free to adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños during the sautéing stage. The diced tomatoes not only contribute moisture but also acidity, which brightens the entire dish. Stirring everything together and letting it simmer for 5 minutes allows the flavors to meld, creating a cohesive sauce.

Customizing Your Dish

This Ground Chicken Taco Pasta serves as a fantastic base for your favorite toppings. I recommend setting up a taco bar with options like sour cream, diced avocados, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Adding these toppings enhances not only the flavor but also the visual appeal of the dish. Drizzling some lime juice over the top just before serving gives a fresh zing that elevates the entire experience.

For those looking to make this recipe a bit lighter or cater to dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute ground chicken with turkey or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just ensure that the seasonings remain robust enough to flavor the dish. Additionally, leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheated in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of extra chicken broth if it seems dry.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Ground Chicken Taco Pasta:

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground chicken
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp taco seasoning
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro and avocado for garnish (optional)

Make sure to prep all your ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your Ground Chicken Taco Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned.

Add Flavor and Liquid

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes.

Combine and Add Cheese

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for about 2–3 minutes.

Once everything is well combined and the cheese is melted, your dish is ready to serve!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this dish with additional toppings like sliced olives, sour cream, or jalapeños to suit your tastes.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your sauce is too thick, simply add more chicken broth a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This is especially useful if you've cooked the pasta longer than recommended and it absorbs too much liquid. On the contrary, if your sauce seems too runny, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken up.

Additionally, if the dish lacks depth, consider taste-testing and adjusting the seasoning. Sometimes, a little extra taco seasoning or a sprinkle of salt can make a significant difference. Remember, tasting during the cooking process ensures you create a well-balanced dish tailored to your family's preferences.

Make-Ahead Strategies

For a meal prep option, consider making the sauce ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and stir in freshly cooked pasta. This method maintains the pasta's texture while ensuring a hot, flavorful dish with minimal effort.

If you're planning to freeze the dish, I recommend doing so before adding the cheese. This prevents the cheese from becoming oily once thawed. Once cooled, transfer the pasta mixture into a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for around 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake in the oven or warm in a skillet, adding in the cheese just before serving for that melty finish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can stand alone as a hearty meal, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. A refreshing green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully and adds a fresh crunch to your meal.

Additionally, for a more festive presentation, consider placing the pasta in individual bowls and sprinkling your toppings directly on top. This personal touch makes for a fun family dinner or gathering, allowing everyone to customize their servings to suit their tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef works great in this recipe.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can easily make your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.

→ Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild spice level, but you can adjust it by adding more seasoning or chilies.