Taco Pasta

Craving tacos and pasta? Taco Pasta is the delicious dinner mash-up you didn’t know you needed! This easy, cheesy, one-pan meal brings all the bold flavors of taco night into a creamy pasta dish the whole family will love. It’s quick, customizable, and the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Ready in 30 Minutes – Quick and easy for weeknights.
Kid-Approved – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with taco flavor.
Customizable – Make it spicy, meaty, or veggie-packed.
Leftovers Reheat Beautifully – Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, shells, or rotini work well)
• 2½ cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup corn or black beans
• Optional: ½ cup diced bell peppers or jalapeños

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Avocado or guacamole

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat and diced onion until browned.
Drain any excess fat.
Add garlic and taco seasoning, stirring for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquids
Add the uncooked pasta, broth, and salsa to the skillet.
Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Make It Creamy
Stir in sour cream and cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If using add-ins like corn, beans, or bell peppers, stir them in now and let heat through for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and top with your favorite taco toppings.
Serve hot, straight from the skillet for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Tips for Best Results
Use Broth, Not Water – Adds more flavor to the pasta.
Go Bold – Use a smoky salsa or add chipotle for extra depth.
Add Crunch – Top with crushed tortilla chips right before serving.
Swap the Meat – Use turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or meatless crumbles.
Make it a Bake – Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly.

Serving Suggestions
Mexican Street Corn – Creamy, cheesy corn is a perfect side.
Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
Refried Beans – Adds a traditional taco night feel.
Garlic Bread – Not classic, but always welcome with pasta!
Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing finish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
2. Can I add vegetables?
   Definitely. Bell peppers, zucchini, corn, and black beans are all great add-ins.
3. What pasta works best?
   Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells hold the sauce well and cook evenly.
4. Is it spicy?
   It depends on your salsa and seasoning. Choose mild or add hot sauce if you want more heat.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes! Skip the meat and add black beans, corn, or plant-based meat alternatives.

Final Thoughts
Taco Pasta is everything you love about tacos—cheesy, zesty, hearty—blended into one creamy, satisfying skillet dish. It’s quick, it’s cozy, and it’ll have everyone going back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Cook it once, and you’ll be hooked!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 27g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 760mg

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