What ingredients do I need to make creamy taco pasta?

To make creamy taco pasta, you will need ground turkey or chicken, diced white onion, uncooked pasta like rigatoni or penne, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and cream cheese for creaminess. Optional toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, green chilies, cilantro, and sour cream. These ingredients combine for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish.

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey in creamy taco pasta?

Yes, ground chicken is a suitable substitute for ground turkey. It has a mild flavor and cooks quickly. Use the same quantity as the recipe calls for ground turkey and cook it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.

How do I cook creamy taco pasta on the stovetop?

First, cook the pasta until al dente and set it aside. In a skillet, brown the ground meat with diced onion until fully cooked. Add tomato sauce and taco seasoning, then simmer for a few minutes. Stir in cream cheese until melted and combined. Finally, toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve with your choice of taco toppings.

How long does it take to prepare and cook creamy taco pasta?

The total time to prepare and cook creamy taco pasta is about 30 minutes. This includes approximately 5 minutes for preparation, such as chopping and gathering ingredients, and about 25 minutes to cook the pasta, brown the meat, simmer the sauce, and combine everything.

What are some popular toppings to add to creamy taco pasta?

Popular toppings include shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, green chilies, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add texture and extra flavor, making the dish more vibrant and enjoyable.

Creamy Taco Pasta One Pot Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals

Name: creamy taco pasta
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients: – 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean) or ground turkey/chicken as a substitute; – 1 tablespoon butter; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 oz (28 g) packet taco seasoning (or about 1 tablespoon of chili powder, cumin, and paprika blend); – 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; – 2 tablespoons tomato paste; – 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (can substitute chicken broth or use all one type); – 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth; – 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature; – 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained (fire-roasted or regular diced tomatoes can also be used); – 1/2 lb (225 g) medium pasta shells (rotini, penne, rigatoni, or bow tie pasta also work with adjusted cooking times); – 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese; – 1 cup (113 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese; – 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Description

🌮 Dive into a hearty and creamy taco pasta that combines rich cheese and classic taco flavors for a satisfying meal.
🧀 Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot recipe saves time and reduces cleanup while delivering big on taste.

Ingredients

– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean) or ground turkey/chicken as a substitute

– 1 tablespoon butter

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 oz (28 g) packet taco seasoning (or about 1 tablespoon of chili powder, cumin, and paprika blend)

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (can substitute chicken broth or use all one type)

– 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

– 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature

– 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained (fire-roasted or regular diced tomatoes can also be used)

– 1/2 lb (225 g) medium pasta shells (rotini, penne, rigatoni, or bow tie pasta also work with adjusted cooking times)

– 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 cup (113 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese

– 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Start by shredding the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from blocks, setting them aside for later melting. Using fresh shredded cheese ensures a smoother, creamier sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat a large, high-sided pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or substitute) and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease for a leaner sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Build Flavor
Add butter to the pot and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Seasonings and Liquids
Stir in taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, chicken broth, whole milk, and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Submerge the pasta shells completely in the liquid. Cover and cook, stirring once halfway through, following the package instructions for al dente texture. If the pasta appears too firm, cook a little longer until done.

Step 6: Add the Cheeses
Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese (if using). Stir gently until all cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately. The sauce will thicken as the pasta absorbs liquid. Optionally top with diced onions, bell peppers, corn, black beans, jalapeños, cilantro, or sour cream to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

🧀 Use shredded cheese from blocks instead of pre-shredded for a creamier melt.
🍝 Adjust pasta shapes and quantities to your liking, but remember to modify cooking times.
🍗 Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option and add chicken towards the end to keep it tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 500 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 1000 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Creamy Taco Pasta, One Pot Recipe, Cheese Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner