Description
Cheesy taco pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish combining tender pasta, spiced ground meat or vegetarian protein, a rich cheese sauce, and classic taco seasonings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile meal is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Taco Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or plant-based alternative)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cheese Sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
- Mix in Spices: Sprinkle taco seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika over the meat. Stir well to coat the mixture evenly. Add a splash of water if needed to help spices blend and form a sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and cream cheese into the skillet. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and everything is creamy and combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes until gooey and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Once the cheese is melted and the pasta is heated through, serve immediately. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips if desired.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef or turkey with plant-based meat alternatives to make it vegetarian.
- Adjust the milk quantity to make the cheese sauce thicker or thinner according to preference.
- Use penne or rotini pasta for best sauce absorption, but any short pasta works well.
- Canned diced tomatoes can be substituted with fresh tomatoes when in season.
- For a spicier version, add extra jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning mix.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding crushed tortilla chips on top adds a delightful crunch, perfect for serving to guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
