Chicken Taco Pasta (Step-by-Step Recipe)

 

⏱️ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 25 minutes

• Serves: 3–4 people

• Ingredients

  For Pasta

  

  
  

  • Pasta (penne / fusilli / macaroni) – 250 g

  • Water – enough to boil pasta

  • Salt – 1 tbsp

  • Oil – 1 tsp

  For Chicken

  

  
  

  • Boneless chicken (breast or thigh), small cubes – 300 g

  • Salt – to taste

  • Black pepper – ½ tsp

  • Paprika or red chili powder – 1 tsp

  • Garlic powder – ½ tsp

  • Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

  For Taco Sauce Base

  

  
  

  • Oil – 2 tbsp

  • Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium

  • Garlic (minced) – 1 tbsp

  • Capsicum (bell pepper, chopped) – ½ cup

  • Tomato (puree or finely chopped) – 1 cup

  • Taco seasoning – 2 tbsp
    (or substitute: chili powder + cumin + oregano)

  For Creamy Finish

  

  
  

  • Fresh cream – ½ cup

  • Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) – ½ cup (grated)

  • Pasta water – ¼ cup (as needed)

  

  
  Garnish (Optional)

  • Spring onions

  • Coriander leaves

  • Extra cheese

  
  

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

🔹 Step 1: Boil the Pasta

1. Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot.

2. Add salt and oil.

3. Add pasta and cook until al dente (slightly firm).

4. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta.

5. Keep aside.

👉 Do not overcook the pasta.

🔹 Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, add chicken cubes.

2. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice.

3. Mix well and rest for 10 minutes.

4. 🔹 Step 3: Cook the Chicken

   
   
   

5. 1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan.

   2. Add marinated chicken.

   3. Cook on medium flame until chicken is golden and fully cooked.

   4. Remove chicken and keep aside.

   5. 🔹

      

      
      Step 4: Prepare Taco Sauce

      1. In the same pan, heat remaining oil.

      2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.

      3. Add minced garlic and cook till fragrant.

      4. Add capsicum and sauté for 2 minutes.

      5.  Step 5: Make it Creamy

         

         
         

         1. Lower the flame.

         2. Add fresh cream and mix gently.

         3. Add some reserved pasta water for smooth consistency.

      6. Add tomato puree and taco seasoning.

      7. Cook until oil starts separating and sauce thickens.

      8. 
         
         Step 6: Combine Everything

      9. 1. Add cooked chicken to the sauce.

         2. Add boiled pasta.

         3. Toss gently so everything coats well.

         4. Add grated cheese and mix until melted

         5. .

         Step 7: Final Touch

         

         
         

         1. 1. Taste and adjust salt/spices.

            2. Garnish with spring onions or coriander.

            3. Serve hot.

         

         
         😋 Serving Suggestions

         • Serve with garlic bread or nachos

         • Add jalapeños or olives for extra taco flavor