Taco Pasta is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods: tacos and pasta. This dish combines the zesty flavors of taco seasoning with the creamy, comforting textures of pasta, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful. The addition of diced tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh cilantro adds a vibrant twist, while the cream cheese and sour cream create a luscious, creamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this versatile and easy-to-make meal is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 8-12 ounces medium pasta shells or any other short pasta shapes (about 3-4 cups dry)
- 1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (14 ounces) can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, drained (use plain diced tomatoes if preferred)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (4 tablespoons)
- Creamy Sauce:
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- A few minutes before the meat is fully cooked, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is softened and the meat is fully cooked.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Add the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning to the skillet. Mix well and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and reserved pasta water. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer over medium-low heat for an additional 3-5 minutes to thicken.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Gradually add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat each piece with the creamy sauce. You may not need to add all of the pasta, depending on your preferred sauce-to-pasta ratio.
- Finish and Serve:
- Just before serving, toss in the chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh color and flavor.
- Serve the Taco Pasta hot, accompanied by a green salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pasta Shapes: Feel free to use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle. Each shape will hold the sauce differently and add a unique texture.
- Meat Options: For a healthier option, use ground turkey or even ground chicken instead of ground beef.
- Vegetable Additions: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, or by adding extra spices such as chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Taco Pasta as a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
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