Zesty Taco Pasta Recipe: Fiesta Flavors in Every Bite

Craving a mouthwatering taco pasta that blends Mexican and Italian flavors into one incredible dish?

Comfort meets excitement in this quick and easy meal that comes together faster than you can say delicious.

pasta shells cradle seasoned ground beef, creating a perfect vehicle for zesty taco spices and creamy cheese.

Vibrant bell peppers and tangy salsa add unexpected bursts of color and taste to every forkful.

Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top brings a bright, herbal note that lifts the entire recipe.

Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the nooks and crannies, ensuring each bite is packed with rich, savory goodness.

Hungry and ready to explore a new dinner adventure?

Dive in and make this taco pasta your next kitchen triumph.

What Makes Taco Pasta So Tasty

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, creating a delicious meal with minimal hands-on cooking and zero complicated techniques.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Enjoy a warm, hearty soup that hugs your soul and provides ultimate comfort during chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for picky eaters and hungry families, this chicken noodle soup offers a nutritious meal that everyone will love, packed with tender chicken and soft noodles.
• Versatile Wellness Dish: Boost immune systems with a nutrient-rich soup that works perfectly as a healing meal when someone is sick or as a satisfying dinner for the entire family.

Ingredients List for Taco Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat base that provides rich flavor and protein for the taco pasta.

• Pasta: The foundational component that gives the dish its satisfying texture and volume.

• Taco Seasoning, Salsa: These ingredients add authentic Mexican-inspired zest and complexity to the dish.
• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that contribute aromatic depth and subtle sweetness.
• Beef Broth: A liquid that helps create a savory and moist sauce.

• Cream Cheese: Adds a luxurious, smooth texture and tangy richness to the pasta.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty component that binds the ingredients together.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Cilantro: An optional garnish that brings a bright, fresh note to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook your pasta in a pot of salted water following the package guidelines. Once it’s al dente, drain thoroughly and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Carefully drain off any excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and slightly translucent.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Taco seasoning
• Salsa
• Beef broth

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Create a Creamy Sauce

Drop in cream cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely, creating a smooth and rich sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and mix gently until the cheese melts and coats everything evenly.

Step 7: Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

Serve the taco pasta hot and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tips for Taco Pasta

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter protein option.
• Add extra vegetables like corn or black beans to boost nutritional value and texture.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar for a lighter version of the recipe.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and save time during meal preparation.

Flavor Options for Taco Pasta

• Chicken Fiesta Pasta: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and lighter version. Use pepper jack cheese to add extra zest.
• Vegetarian Mexican Pasta: Swap beef with black beans and plant-based crumbles. Add corn kernels and increase vegetables for hearty plant-based protein.
• Spicy Southwest Pasta: Incorporate diced jalapeños and use hot salsa. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese and top with sliced green onions for extra heat.
• One-Pot Taco Pasta Skillet: Cook pasta directly in the sauce to reduce dishes. Use fire-roasted tomato salsa for deeper flavor complexity.

Serving Ideas for Taco Pasta

• Create a build-your-own taco pasta bar with toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and extra shredded cheese. Let everyone customize their plate for a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Serve the pasta in individual ceramic bowls topped with crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of guacamole, and a sprinkle of green onions. This presentation adds texture and elevates the dish's visual appeal.
• Spread the pasta over crispy tortilla chips, then add extra melted cheese, diced avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends and family.

How to Store Taco Pasta Properly

• Store leftover taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• When reheating, mix gently to help maintain the creamy texture and prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Taco Pasta Recipe?

The key ingredients include ground beef, pasta, taco seasoning, salsa, beef broth, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. The combination creates a creamy, flavor-packed one-pan meal.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. You can control the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot versions of these ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef. It will provide a leaner protein option while maintaining the same delicious taco-inspired flavor profile.

Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty taco pasta blends Mexican and Italian cuisines into one delightful dish. Hearty noodles combine with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz pasta (penne or shells)
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature and brown ground beef, carefully eliminating excess grease.
3. Introduce diced onions and chopped bell peppers to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly tender.
4. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, then incorporate salsa and beef broth, allowing the liquid to gently simmer and develop rich flavors.
5. Reduce heat and fold in cream cheese, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Gently fold reserved pasta into the skillet, ensuring complete coating with the seasoned meat sauce.
7. Gradually blend shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and integrated throughout the dish.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to balance flavors.
9. Transfer to serving plates and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added brightness and aroma.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or black beans to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Use whole wheat pasta to boost fiber content and add nutritional value to this comfort food classic.
• Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot salsa, or mixing different types to create your perfect flavor profile.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg