Cheesy Chicken Taco Mac Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food mashup? This Best Cheesy Chicken Taco Mac delivers all the bold flavors of taco night in a creamy, one-pot pasta dish. It’s the perfect family-friendly dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. For another quick and cheesy favorite, try this Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt Recipe.
PrintCheesy Chicken Taco Mac
An easy and delicious one-pan dinner featuring cubed chicken, elbow macaroni, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, Rotel, and a creamy blend of Colby Jack cheese and milk, topped with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Method: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 10 oz can Rotel (not drained)
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Fresh cilantro for topping
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add chopped onion, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro. Cook until onion is softened.
- Pour in chicken broth, then add elbow macaroni, Rotel (with juices), tomato sauce, and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered until macaroni is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Colby Jack cheese and milk until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Serve topped with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Use fresh cilantro as a topping for added brightness. This dish pairs well with green beans or a simple salad. For a spicier kick, add extra chili powder or jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Cheesy Chicken Taco Mac ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this dish ahead and refrigerate it for up to a day. For best results, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to keep the sauce creamy. This Cheesy Chicken Taco Mac reheats beautifully for easy leftovers.
What can I use instead of ground chicken?
Ground turkey or lean ground beef are excellent substitutes for the chicken. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly when browning the meat.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onion, or use a spicier taco seasoning blend. You can also stir in a tablespoon of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat that complements the cheesy flavors perfectly.
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