One-Pan Taco Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken breast (cubed into small pieces; can use 1-2 lbs)
• taco seasoning (to taste, used for chicken and sauce)
• Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning (to taste; omit if you don't want it spicy)
• onion powder (to taste)
• garlic powder (to taste)
• 0.5 stick butter
• 2.5 cup Colby Jack cheese (shredded; use 2-3 cups total)
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce (your favorite brand (approx. 15 oz))
• 30 oz chicken broth (fill the empty Alfredo jar twice)
• 12 oz pasta (any shape; can use up to 1 lb)
• 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can (e.g., Ro-Tel))
• green onions (chopped for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Take one or two pounds of chicken and cube it into small pieces.

2. 2

   Season the chicken well with taco seasoning, Slap Ya Mama (Cajun) seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the Cajun seasoning.

3. 3

   In a large skillet over medium-to-high heat, melt half a stick of butter.

4. 4

   While the butter is melting, shred a block of Colby Jack cheese to yield about 2 to 3 cups.

5. 5

   Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

6. 6

   Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside for later.

7. 7

   To the same pan, add one jar of your favorite Alfredo sauce.

8. 8

   Fill the empty Alfredo sauce jar with chicken broth twice and pour both portions into the pan.

9. 9

   Add up to a pound of your chosen pasta (the author used 12 ounces) and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the pan.

10. 10

    Add more of the same spices used earlier (taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder) to the sauce.

11. 11

    Toss everything together well and bring the liquid to a boil.

12. 12

    Let the mixture boil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and tender.

13. 13

    Once the pasta is cooked, add the shredded cheese one cup at a time, mixing until completely melted and incorporated.

14. 14

    Add the cooked chicken back into the pasta mixture.

15. 15

    Top with chopped green onions and serve.

Notes

The author notes that while she intended to use a full pound of pasta, 12 ounces worked perfectly. Adjust the chicken broth slightly if using a full 16 ounces of pasta to ensure there is enough liquid for boiling.

Nutrition per serving

• one-pan
• dinner
• pasta
• taco alfredo
• spicy
• main dish