Description
Cheesy taco pasta is a delightful fusion of creamy pasta and zesty taco flavors that will make your taste buds sing. This comforting dish features tender pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, complemented by savory ground meat and topped with crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and stir to combine. Add ½ cup of reserved pasta water to create a sauce.
- Lower heat and mix in softened cream cheese until melted, then add shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated with sauce.
- Dish out into bowls, topping with crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, and sour cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (230g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 612mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 82mg