Description
This Chicken Taco Alfredo recipe combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with a creamy Alfredo sauce, creating a rich and satisfying pasta dish. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to perfection, then served over Campanelle or Penne pasta coated in a luscious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and salsa. Garnished with fresh cilantro and extra Parmesan, this flavorful fusion dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup salsa (mild or medium heat)
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 ounces Campanelle or Penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook about 5 minutes on each side without disturbing, to achieve a crispy, golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan, place on a plate, and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Alfredo Taco Sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, incorporating the browned bits left from the chicken for added flavor. Continue whisking and cooking for about 2 minutes until combined and slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and salsa, mixing until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavorful sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Slice Chicken and Serve: Remove the chicken from the foil, slice into strips, and arrange on top of the coated pasta. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level of the dish by choosing a mild or medium salsa.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lactose-free cream alternative.
- Use your preferred pasta shape, but stick to types like Campanelle, Penne, or similar to hold the sauce well.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
