This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure form more information.
One pan chicken enchilada pasta is an easy dinner recipe made with tender chicken, penne pasta and cheese in a creamy enchilada sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Chicken enchilada pasta recipes were huge a few years ago, and my easy recipe for chicken enchilada pasta is still a family favorite! It’s basically a fusion meal that combines the delicious flavor of chicken enchiladas with a cheesy, creamy pasta.
Best of all, everything cooks in one pan for easy clean-up. And, this simple one-pan meal is done in 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights! One dish meals really do make life a lot easier, especially with our different schedules! A simple green salad is all you need to round out this chicken dinner.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s what you need to make it. Full amounts are listed in the printable recipe card below.
- Chicken breast — or tenders.
- Enchilada sauce — I use a can of red sauce to make things easy. If you have time you can make homemade sauce.
- Water — thins out the sauce to cook the pasta
- Penne pasta — or any short pasta
- Spices — a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin and smoked paprika. You can sub taco seasoning for the spices.
- Cheese — shredding your own cheese works best, but you can use a Mexican blend cheese that is already shredded if you like.
- Heavy cream — tones down the sauce and makes it nice and creamy and more kid friendly
- Onion — for flavor
How to Make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Pasta
First, you cook the chicken and onion, add spices, and pour in the pasta, sauce and water. When the pasta is al dente, add the cream, and allow the sauce to thicken. Finally, stir in the cheese, and let it melt. You can top the pasta with more cheese before serving. I like to add a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes and crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch!
Recipe Tip
You only need half a box of pasta, about 2 cups. If you want to make a whole box, use a larger pot, and double the amounts.
The sauce may seem like there is a lot of liquid at first, but it will reduce and thicken as it simmers.
Variations
If want to make this dish lighter or spicier, just leave out the cream and add a little extra water. You can also sub sour cream for the whipping cream.
You can add canned corn and black beans for an even heartier meal! You can also make this in your Instant Pot.
More Enchilada Flavors
If you loved this recipe, you’ll want to try this crockpot version or this easy chicken bake. Or try my more traditional beef enchiladas or chicken enchiladas.
One Pan Chicken Enchilada Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ cup chopped yellow or white onion
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups penne pasta uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet brown the chicken and onion in olive oil over medium high heat
- Add the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin and garlic powder
- Stir in pasta, water and enchilada sauce, cover and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium, remove cover, and cook until pasta is almost tender, stirring occasionally
- Stir in cream and cook until pasta is tender
- Stir in 2 cups cheese until melted
- Top with remaining cheese, and serve
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Sign up for the free weekly newsletter to receive more easy recipes by email.
Yum! Wish I was digging into this lovely skillet dish today when football is on. Yum and pinned!
That sounds like a plan — thanks so much! 🙂
Hi Dee,
This is a delicious recipe and I love the one pan meal! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
Miz Helen
OMG this looks amazing!! One pan meals are staples around here and I love the flavors in this!
I’m obsessed with one pan dinners! So easy to make!
Love one pan deliciousness like this one! Looks perfect for a weeknight!
I have been craving this ever since I saw your photo on Facebook yesterday. I am putting the ingredients on my grocery list today to make it. I can’t wait!
Thanks, Ashlyn! We just loved it. 🙂
Its a perfect weeknight meal that my whole family will love!! YUM!!!
I’m totally drooling over this – pass the plate!!
Thanks, Kimberly! I definitely have to make this again soon!
I love one dish wonders like this. Looks delicious.
Thanks, Sandi. One pan wonders are sanity savers!
One dish wonders save my life! I can’t resist Mexican food or past. And all that cheese, love!
Thanks so much, Amy. This is one of our favorites!