Taco Pasta

Craving something cheesy, hearty, and full of Tex-Mex flavor? This Taco Pasta is just the dish you need. It brings together the best of two comfort food classics—tacos and pasta—for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s kid-friendly, satisfying, and super easy to make in one pot!

Looking for more delicious dinner ideas like this? Subscribe and get easy, comforting recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup and more flavor in every bite.
Ready in 30 Minutes – A fast dinner option for busy nights.
Family Approved – Cheesy, creamy, and packed with taco flavor.
Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Easy to Customize – Make it spicier, add veggies, or use your favorite pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

For the Creamy Taco Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced green onions
• Jalapeño slices
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Lime wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or deep skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning.
Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, chicken broth, corn, and black beans.
Stir everything well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta back into the pot.
Mix well until all the pasta is coated in the taco sauce.

Step 6: Make It Creamy & Cheesy
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in sour cream and shredded cheeses until fully melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve with Toppings
Dish into bowls and top with your favorite taco toppings like cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.
Serve with a lime wedge for a bright finish.

Tips for Perfect Taco Pasta
Cook Pasta Al Dente – It will continue to absorb the sauce once mixed.
Shred Your Own Cheese – It melts better and tastes fresher.
Add Heat – A dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder adds great depth.
Mix Up the Veggies – Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a nutrition boost.
Make It a Bake – Pour into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a bubbly finish.

Serving Suggestions
This dish is super filling on its own, but pairs great with:

• A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Warm garlic bread or cheesy toast
• Roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini
• A cold glass of lemonade or lime agua fresca

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Taco Pasta freezes well! Let it cool, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir well and heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work great too.
2. Is there a dairy-free version?
   Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative for a similar creamy effect.
3. What’s the best pasta to use?
   Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells work best as they hold onto the sauce well.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! It’s a great make-ahead meal. Reheat before serving and add a little extra cheese for freshness.

Final Thoughts
Taco Pasta is everything you love about taco night in a cozy, cheesy pasta form. It’s flavorful, filling, and so easy to throw together with pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or whenever the craving strikes.

Try it once, and it’s sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your version online!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mexican

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 580mg

Print