Description
This cozy, family-friendly Cheesy Taco Pasta Dinner combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting texture of pasta for an easy weeknight meal. Ground beef or turkey is seasoned with taco spices, simmered in tomato sauce, and blended with cream cheese and a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend to create a rich, velvety sauce. Tossed with medium pasta shells and topped with fresh green onions and optional garnishes, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, it’s endlessly customizable with protein swaps, gluten-free pasta, or added veggies, making it a weeknight staple.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Boil salted water in a medium pot and cook pasta shells until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef or turkey until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and stir in tomato sauce with a splash of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese or sour cream until smooth and creamy.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Gradually stir in shredded cheese blend until fully melted and combined.
6. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one spoonful at a time until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro and optional toppings before serving. For a bubbly finish, broil with extra cheese for 2–3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 60
Keywords: cheesy taco pasta dinner, easy taco pasta dinner, cheesy taco dinner idea, cheesy taco meat pasta, taco shell pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, family dinner