
This Keto Creamy Taco Chicken Penne is a very delicious and creamy dinner. It is made with tender chicken, taco seasoning, Alfredo sauce, and low-carb penne pasta. This recipe is perfect to make for a family lunch or dinner. You can easily store the chicken penne in a container for 3 days so it will give the best result. This recipe is healthy for the keto diet because it contains all the low-carb ingredients. It contains 520 kcal, 42 g protein, and 6 g net carbs in one serving. This dish is easily ready to be prepared in 40 minutes for a quick lunch. Serve this Keto Creamy Taco Chicken Penne with Grilled chicken, Roasted zucchini, and Mexican cabbage slaw.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Serving size: 1 serving
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
- Servings: 4 servings
EQUIPMENT:
- Large skillet & pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 oz keto-friendly penne pasta
- 2 medium chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp homemade sugar-free taco seasoning
- 1 jar keto-friendly Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Quarter cup chicken broth
- Half tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
INGREDIENT NOTES:
KETO PENNE PASTA:
- The keto penne pasta will give the recipe a pasta shape and texture and keep carbs low. Shirataki penne and konjac pasta are also alternatives, depending on your preference.
CHICKEN BREAST:
- Chicken breast is a cut of chicken. It is high in protein and adds an extra mild flavor to the recipe. Skinless chicken tenderloins and Turkey breast are a good substitute; they will also give you a good taste, as per your preference in the recipe.
OLIVE OIL:
- The Olive oil will add a rich flavor to the recipe and help the chicken to cook evenly. It also keeps the chicken tender and prevents it from sticking to the pan. Avocado oil and coconut oil are good alternatives and work well in this recipe.
CHEDDAR CHEESE:
- The Cheddar cheese gives sharp flavor and a creamy, cheesy texture to the recipe. It melts smoothly into the Alfredo sauce and makes the pasta delicious. Colby Jack cheese and Gouda cheese are good substitutes and also work well in this recipe, as per your choice.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Firstly, boil some salted water in a pot and add the keto penne; cook it, then drain it and keep it aside.
- Now heat the olive oil in a pan on medium flame and add the chicken pieces and mix in taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
- Cook it for 10 minutes, mixing until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Next, pour the Alfredo sauce and chicken broth into a pan and stir until the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
- Now add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and keep mixing until the cheese melts fully into the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne and mix gently so every piece gets coated with the creamy taco sauce.
- Cook it for 3 minutes till it gets heated.
- Lastly, garnish it with fresh cilantro and serve warmly.
TIPS:
- You should include freshly grated cheese at home because it melts better.
- Use the pasta that is good for the keto diet and check its net carbs.
- Don’t overcook the keto pasta because it gets soft very fast.
- Include the little extra chicken broth if the sauce gets too thick.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add the Chicken Penne in a container and store it for 3 days.
FREEZER:
- You cannot freeze the Chicken Penne because the texture of the pasta will become too soft.
FAQs:
Should I use chicken thighs in the recipe?
- Yes, you can also use chicken thighs in the recipe. It also works well and gives the recipe a rich taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe earlier?
- You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time, keep them in separate boxes, and mix them with fresh hot pasta when needed.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
- Just add a little more shredded or Parmesan cheese and stir on low heat till it gets thick.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 520 kcal
Total Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Protein: 42 g
Total Carbs: 10 g
Fiber: 4 g
Net Carbs: 6 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Cholesterol: 145 mg
Potassium: 420 mg
Calcium: 320 mg
Iron: 2 mg
Serving Size: 1 serving
Servings: 4