Description
Creamy Taco Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner combining bold taco spices with a luscious creamy sauce and tender pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and family-friendly dish blends ground beef or turkey with cheese, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings for a one-pot meal that’s satisfying and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey
Seasoning & Aromatics
- 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning (blend of chili, cumin, garlic powder)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni or Rotini pasta
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat)
- 1 cup Milk or Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking the pasta until al dente. Drain well and set aside, as you’ll be adding it back into the sauce later to soak up that incredible flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Meat: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil and cook finely chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add your ground beef or turkey and brown it thoroughly, breaking up any clumps for even cooking.
- Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat and stir to coat evenly. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies and let everything simmer for a few minutes to meld those bold flavors.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in cream cheese and a splash of milk or heavy cream to the skillet, mixing until the sauce is smooth and velvety, enveloping the meat and tomato mixture beautifully.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Return the cooked pasta to the pan and toss with the creamy mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, stirring gently until it melts and everything is well blended.
- Serve Hot and Enjoy: Once everything is combined and heated through, your Creamy Taco Pasta is ready to serve. Add your favorite toppings or sides and dive into this warm, cheesy delight.
Notes
- Brown the Meat Properly: Browning adds depth of flavor, so don’t rush this step.
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the creamiest texture, avoid low-fat versions.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save some cooking water to thin the sauce if needed for better consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and tweak salt, pepper, and taco seasoning to your preference.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep it slightly firm since it will absorb sauce and soften more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Creamy Taco Pasta, taco pasta recipe, quick dinner, creamy pasta, taco seasoning, one-pot meal, family dinner, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, taco dinner
