Chicken Taco Zucchini Pasta
A vibrant one-pot pasta with ground chicken, taco-seasoned tomato sauce, and hidden zucchini for extra nutrition and color. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, ground chicken, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup, grated zucchini
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 lb ground chicken and cook for 5 minutes, breaking into small pieces until no longer pink.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 cup grated zucchini. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz penne pasta and 1/4 cup milk to the pot. Bring to medium-high heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1/4 tsp salt until melted and evenly distributed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicken Taco Zucchini Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chicken Taco Zucchini Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Taco Zucchini Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chicken Taco Zucchini Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chicken Taco Zucchini Pasta?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A hit with my family! Will make again.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Easy and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Loved the chicken taco twist on zucchini pasta! My kids ate it all.
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