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+ servings

Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta

One Pot Easy Cheesy Taco Skillet | One Pot Easy Cheesy Taco Skillet is the perfect combination of spicy meat, creamy cheese and tender pasta. Great for busy weeknights! | Pack Momma | www.awickedwhisk.com
Enjoy a delicious, flavor packed dinner in no time with Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta. This one-pan recipe brings together all the flavor of a classic taco with the comfort of pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes and made using taco seasoned ground beef, store bought salsa, shredded cheese and tender rotini pasta, this Taco Pasta is an easy, savory meal the whole family will love.
Heather - A Wicked Whisk
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 6 ea

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey, chicken or beef
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 2 cup beef broth
  • 15 ounces container of store bought salsa
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta uncooked
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

  • Start by adding your chopped onions and meat to a large skillet and browning your ground beef, chicken or turkey over medium high heat until cooked through and no longer pink. (about 8-10 minutes) Add garlic when meat is just about finished cooking so that it doesn't burn.
  • Once cooked, drain grease and return meat combo to skillet
  • Add to the skillet the taco seasoning, broth, tomato paste, salsa, seasonings and uncooked pasta.  Stir to combine
  • Cover and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally and allow to cook for approximately 10 - 12 minutes or until your pasta is cooked al dente
  • Remove cover and add in cream cheese. Stir until cheese has melted and then add in the shredded cheddar cheese.  Continue stirring until it is melted and well incorporated
  • Check for seasonings, add salt and pepper as needed and serve immediately :)

Notes

Pro Tips for perfect Taco Pasta

  • When it comes to taco seasoning, use what your family likes best. I am a fan of the Spicy taco seasoning myself so grab whatever heat level works best for you.
  • Store bought salsa does not need to be fancy or complicated. You are looking for something with lots of flavor so grab what you would enjoy eating with chips. 
  • Beef, chicken or turkey? Use whichever you prefer, the taco flavors are hearty in this dish so the meats can be swapped out to your preference.
  • This one pan dinner recipe is a great way to feed a big crowd on a budget. Affordable and tasty is always a win so remember this the next time you are feeding a crowd! 
  • Don't stress on the rotini! Sometimes you go to the store and they don't have that specific type style of pasta on hand. No worries! Grab a box of ziti, shells, penne or rigatoni instead.
  • Beef stock vs beef broth? Beef stock is fine to use, I like to use beef broth in my recipes because I feel it brings more flavor to the dish but either is fine for this recipe.