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Taco Pasta

Taco Pasta

Enjoy the zesty flavors of Taco Pasta, a delicious one-pot meal that combines the best of tacos and pasta for a satisfying dinner. Quick to prepare and customizable, this dish is perfect for any weeknight!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
  • 8-12 ounces medium pasta shells or any other short pasta shape, about 3-4 cups dry
  • 1 small onion chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, drained (use plain diced tomatoes if making this for kids)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning about 4 tablespoons
  • 3 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  • Cook the Meat: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and no longer pink. A few minutes before the meat is done, add the chopped onion. Once the meat is fully cooked, add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
  • Make the Sauce: Add the cream cheese, sour cream, and reserved pasta water. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-5 minutes on medium-low heat to reduce the sauce if it's too thin.
  • Combine with Pasta: Gradually add the cooked pasta to the meat mixture, stirring to coat. You may not need all of the pasta. Adjust the amount to your preference.
  • Garnish and Serve: Toss in the chopped cilantro just before serving to add freshness and color. Serve with a green salad on the side.
Keyword Taco Pasta