3K Shares

You are in for a real treat with this easy rigatoni recipe!This Chicken Taco Rigatoni Bake is the perfect quick fix dinner that everyone loves. With great flavors and simple ingredients, you’ll love making this yummy recipe!

If you love easy Mexican recipes like we do, try our Mexican Style Lasagna Recipe too!

baked rigatoni out of the oven in baking dish

Chicken Taco Rigatoni Recipe

I always love creating weeknight dinners, because I know how crazy weekdays can get while the kids are in school with all of their activities. This is a great one you can even whip up in advance and bake when you need it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Great For Busy Weeknights. This recipe is so easy to prepare, you’ll have it on the dinner table in just minutes.
Packed With Flavor. This easy Mexican flavored dinner is packed with great flavors.
Makes Great Leftovers. You’ll get to enjoy some delicious leftovers with this recipe. It’s just as good heated up the next day.

Follow Picky Palate on Instagram for daily recipe inspiration too!

chicken taco rigatoni ingredients on counter top

What You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy pasta recipe at home. See the recipe card located at the bottom of the post for full details.

Rigatoni– Find rigatoni noodles in the pasta section of your grocery store.
Cooked Chicken– I like to use a rotisserie chicken for quick fix recipes.
Taco Seasoning– Use your favorite taco seasoning or make your own, see our recipe here.
Prepared Salsa– I like to use our favorite brand of mild salsa. Anything your family likes works great.
Shredded Cheese– Mild shredded cheese or Mexican blend cheese works great.
Cilantro– Fresh chopped cilantro is added to the rigatoni for freshness and color.

How To Make Easy Rigatoni Recipe

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook Pasta. Cook pasta according to package direction, drain and transfer back to pot.

adding tomatoes to cooked rigatoni in pot

adding cooked chicken to pot of rigatoni

Diced Tomato, Chicken and Seasonings. Add diced tomatoes, chicken, taco seasoning and cilantro. Mix to combine.

adding shredded cheese to top of rigatoni bake

Transfer Pasta. Transfer half to baking dish.

Cheese. Top with a layer of cheese then layer with remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the cheese.

Bake. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and hot. Remove and serve warm.

chicken taco rigatoni baked in baking dish

Recipe Tips for Success

Rotisserie Chicken. Use rotisserie chicken for quick fix dinners!
Don’t Overcook Pasta. For baked pasta recipes, I like to cook my pasta 1 minute under the recommended time since it will continue to cook slightly when baked.
Try Other Protein. Use ground beef, sausage, turkey and even shrimp for other variations in the pasta.

How To Serve

Serve this baked pasta dinner warm on individual plates. It’s great with a side salad and garlic bread.

Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Instructions

Place pasta in a heat proof bowl loosely covered in the microwave and cook for 60-90 seconds or until hot.

Try More Easy Mexican Inspired Dinner Recipes