Name: Creamy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bites; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (15.25 ounce) can corn, undrained; 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 cup salsa; 1 package taco seasoning or 2 Tablespoons homemade; 1 can chicken broth; 8 ounce Farfalle pasta (bow tie pasta); 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided; 1/2 cup sour cream

If you love comforting meals that come together fast and pack a flavorful punch, you’re going to adore this Creamy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty, cheesy, and with that perfect little kick of Mexican-inspired flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes and is downright fan-freaking-tastic. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your pasta comes out creamy, zesty, and absolutely delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one skillet or Dutch oven, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavor-Packed Comfort: The creamy sauce paired with salsa, cheese, and taco seasoning creates an irresistible taste.
Versatile and Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe and asks for it on repeat!

The image shows a white pan filled with a creamy dish made of bow-tie pasta, black beans, corn, and small pieces of chicken mixed in an orange creamy sauce. The pasta is well coated with the sauce, creating a smooth texture with visible layers of beans and corn spread evenly throughout. The pan is placed on a green textured cloth with a wooden spoon in the background, and the surface beneath has a white marbled texture. The lighting highlights the creamy and soft texture of the pasta mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

To keep this recipe simple yet truly delicious, I stick to accessible, pantry-friendly ingredients that complement each other perfectly. You don’t need anything fancy — just some basics that you might already have on hand.

Vegetable oil: Helps cook the chicken and onions without sticking; neutral flavor keeps the focus on the spices.
Chicken breast: I like using bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
Yellow onion: Adds sweet, aromatic depth to the dish once softened.
Black beans: Drained and rinsed – they add protein and a lovely texture contrast.
Diced tomatoes: Use canned with juice to bring moisture and tangy brightness.
Corn: Adds natural sweetness; the canned kind works perfectly here.
Salsa: This is the secret punch that amps up the Mexican flavor instantly.
Taco seasoning: You can grab a packet or make your own blend; it’s essential for that authentic taste.
Farfalle pasta: Bow tie pasta holds the sauce so well — perfect for creamy dishes.
Chicken broth: It’s the cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with more flavor while keeping it moist.
Colby-Jack cheese: Divided use means melty, gooey creaminess mixed in and extra cheese sprinkled over top.
Sour cream: Added at the end for silky texture and to balance all those spices.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Mexican Chicken Pasta recipe is so flexible. Feel free to swap in your favorites or adapt it for your dietary needs — it’s all about what makes it your go-to comfort meal.

Use shredded rotisserie chicken: When I’m short on time, this shortcut makes the recipe even quicker without losing flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with extra beans or sautéed mushrooms – it’s surprisingly filling and tasty.
Add heat: Toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne if you like more spice.
Cheese swap: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even sharp cheddar work great if you want a different cheesy vibe.

How to Make Creamy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Onions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the onions turn soft and translucent—this usually takes about 6–8 minutes. You’ll know when the chicken is ready because it’ll lose its pink color and the onions will smell sweet and tender. Avoid rushing this step; properly cooked chicken and onions build the base flavor your whole dish rests on.

Step 2: Add the Mexican Mix-Ins

Dump in the black beans (drained and rinsed), canned diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, salsa, and taco seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine. This blend starts layering in the Mexican flavors that make this pasta truly irresistible. I love how the beans give a little heft and the salsa brings just the right tang and spice without being overpowering.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Broth

Add your farfalle pasta and chicken broth straight into the skillet. Stir everything so the pasta is submerged and evenly mixed. Turn the heat up to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This step is where the magic happens — the pasta cooks right in the flavorful broth, soaking up all those spices. A quick tip: check once or twice during simmering to make sure the liquid isn’t evaporating too fast; if it looks dry, add a splash of broth or water.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream

After 15 minutes, your pasta should be perfectly tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese until it melts into the sauce, followed by the sour cream. Mix well to create that signature creamy texture that makes this dish stand out. At this stage, the sauce becomes rich and comforting — I found that adding sour cream last really rounds out the flavors beautifully. If it feels too thick, you can loosen it with a bit more broth or water.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta immediately, topping each portion with the remaining shredded cheese for a melty, cheesy finish. This simple step makes the dish feel extra special and lets everyone add as much (or as little) cheese as they like. Watching my family dig into this with cheesy smiles always makes me happy.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe

Even Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Don’t Skip the Broth: Cooking pasta in chicken broth instead of water adds layers of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise.
Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce before adding cheese and sour cream, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Keep an eye on pasta during simmer—absorbing the broth takes time but don’t let it get mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with bowtie pasta covered in a thick, orange-yellow sauce. Mixed within the sauce are black beans and bright yellow corn kernels, adding spots of dark brown and vivid yellow colors over the pasta. The pasta pieces have a smooth texture with slightly curled edges and are arranged mostly in the center of the plate. The plate sits on a darker round charger, all placed on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Sometimes I sprinkle diced avocado or jalapeños on top for extra creaminess and a bit of heat. A dollop of sour cream or some sliced green onions adds a nice fresh balance to the richness.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crispy tortilla chips to scoop up any leftover sauce. For heartier meals, I like serving it alongside roasted veggies like bell peppers or a fresh corn salad to keep the Mexican theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Creamy Mexican Chicken Pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets or layered with extra cheese baked on top until bubbly and golden. It looks impressive but is super easy to pull off, and everyone loves their own personalized serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay fresh for about 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Just skip adding the cheese topping before freezing and add it fresh when reheating. It thaws well, but I recommend consuming within 1-2 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. This keeps it creamy and prevents it from drying out. Microwaving works too, just stir halfway through to re-distribute the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While farfalle (bow tie) pasta works great because it holds the sauce well, you can use penne, rotini, or even shells. Just keep the cooking time similar and make sure the pasta cooks fully in the broth.
Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spiciness depending on your salsa and taco seasoning. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot versions of salsa or adding fresh jalapeños if you want more kick.
Can I make this Creamy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, corn, or veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. You could also use plant-based protein substitutes if you prefer.
How can I make homemade taco seasoning for this recipe?

Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. This way, you control the sodium and customize flavors exactly how you like them.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in airtight containers but for best texture, add cheese fresh when reheating rather than freezing it already mixed in.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Mexican Chicken Pasta Recipe combines ease, comfort, and bold flavors all in one pot. When I first tried it, I was surprised by how creamy and satisfying it is without needing tons of complicated steps or ingredients. It quickly became a staple in my dinner rotation, and I know you’ll find it just as comforting and delicious. So go ahead, give it a try, and let it bring that cozy, cheesy Mexican flair to your table—your family will thank you!