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Creamy Alfredo meets bold taco flavors in this easy, kid-friendly pasta that’s ready in 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love It
Ready in 20 minutes – Faster than takeout!
Creamy + spicy – Alfredo sauce with a Tex-Mex kick
Kid-approved – Mild but flavorful (adjust spice to taste)
Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry staples
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (use half for mild, full for spicy)
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Hatch, cheddar, or pepper jack)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pasta water (as needed to thin sauce)
(Optional toppings: cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, lime wedges)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cubes and cook until no longer pink (~5-6 mins).
- Sprinkle with ½ packet taco seasoning, stir well, and remove from heat.
2. Boil the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (5-8 mins). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Make the Sauce
- Return skillet to medium heat. Add Alfredo sauce and remaining taco seasoning.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- If too thick, add splashes of pasta water until creamy.
4. Combine & Serve
- Toss in cooked pasta and chicken. Heat through (~2 mins).
- Season with black pepper and top with extra cheese if desired.
Pro Tips
Extra creamy? Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream with the Alfredo sauce.
Vegetarian? Swap chicken for black beans or sautéed peppers.
Spice it up: Add diced green chiles or cayenne pepper.
Serving Ideas
- Toppings bar: Set out sour cream, avocado, and hot sauce.
- Side salad: Serve with a simple lime-cilantro slaw.
- Tortilla chips: Crush on top for crunch!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Serves: 4
Cost Breakdown
- Chicken: $4
- Pasta + sauce: $3
- Cheese + seasoning: $2
- Total: **9∗∗(∗vs.9∗∗(∗vs.25+ for takeout!*)
Warning: You’ll want seconds!
Final Thought: This accidentally genius mashup is now my family’s #1 requested dinner. The Hatch cheese makes it next-level—but any melty cheese works!
More Easy TikTok Recipes to Try:
- 4-Ingredient Heath Toffee Cookies – A sweet and crunchy treat that’s ready in no time!
- Fruity Pebbles Cookies – Fun, colorful, and perfect for dessert lovers.
- TikTok Baked Feta Pasta
- TikTok Potato Bake
Mexican Alfredo Pasta (20-Minute Meal!)
Description
Creamy Alfredo meets bold taco flavors in this easy, kid-friendly pasta that’s ready in 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful without the fuss.
Ingredients
-
8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
-
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
-
1 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable)
-
1 packet taco seasoning (use half for mild, full for spicy)
-
1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
-
1 cup shredded cheese (Hatch, cheddar, or pepper jack)
-
Black pepper, to taste
-
Pasta water (as needed to thin sauce)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
-
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Add chicken cubes and cook until no longer pink (~5-6 mins).
-
Sprinkle with ½ packet taco seasoning, stir well, and remove from heat.
2. Boil the Pasta
-
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (5-8 mins). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Make the Sauce
-
Return skillet to medium heat. Add Alfredo sauce and remaining taco seasoning.
-
Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
-
If too thick, add splashes of pasta water until creamy.
4. Combine & Serve
-
Toss in cooked pasta and chicken. Heat through (~2 mins).
-
Season with black pepper and top with extra cheese if desired.
