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Taco Pasta

This Taco Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold taco flavor. A quick one-pot dinner made with seasoned ground meat, tender pasta, and a rich Tex-Mex sauce the whole family will love.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Tex-Mex / AmericanServings: 6Calories: ~560 per serving
Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 12 oz short pasta rotini, shells, or penne
  • Salt for pasta water
  • Protein & Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup chicken or beef broth
  • Creamy Finish
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • Optional Toppings
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream or avocado

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Brown the Meat
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Build the Flavor
  6. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in taco seasoning and cook 30 seconds.
  7. Make the Sauce
  8. Add tomato sauce and broth. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
  9. Combine
  10. Add cooked pasta and shredded cheese. Stir until creamy, adding pasta water as needed.
  11. Serve
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with desired toppings.