Rich and creamy taco pasta with a flavorful kick! This one pot recipes features savory seasoned beef, tender pasta shells, and a gooey, cheesy sauce. It is the ultimate comforting meal for the whole family!
Taco night just got a whole lot easier! This one-pot taco pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. It has all of the flavors you love—seasoned meat, zesty tomatoes, and lots of cheese—mixed with pasta for a delicious and comforting dinner.
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The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze! In addition, kids love this quick and easy dinner recipe. The whole family will love it!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Taco Pasta Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: The best part about making this one-pot taco pasta is that it’s all made in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and a stress-free cooking experience.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this taco pasta dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the familiar taco flavors and the comforting texture of this creamy taco pasta.
- Customizable: This taco pasta recipe is a fantastic starting point for creativity. You can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite taco toppings.
- Check out this Cajun Chicken Pasta for another creamy pasta dinner!
Ingredients & Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full taco pasta recipe.
First, we love using ground beef for this recipe. On the other hand, ground chicken, ground pork, and ground turkey work well too!
Cook the minced garlic in butter. It adds a delicious flavor. If you only have oil, we love olive oil and avocado oil.
When choosing taco seasoning, look for one without any added sugar. The Siete brand is great!
Rotel tomatoes and green chilies add a spicy flavor! Feel free to replace this with your favorite salsa.
Chicken broth and whole milk add the creaminess. Half and half works well too.
We used whole wheat pasta shells for this recipe. If you are gluten free, feel free to use gluten free pasta.
Shredded cheese makes the sauce super creamy! Use Mexican shredded cheese, cheddar cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
Lastly, top with fresh herbs if desired.
The Delicious Taste and Texture of Creamy Taco Pasta
This taco pasta has a great balance of flavors and textures. The ground beef is seasoned with a generous amount of taco seasoning, giving this one-pot taco pasta a smoky and savory kick.
The Rotel tomatoes (or salsa) add a hint of acidity and a spicy flavor. The combination of chicken broth and whole milk creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every single pasta shell.
As the cheese melts, the sauce thickens into a luxurious, gooey consistency. The final result is a hearty, flavorful dish with a satisfying creamy sauce and tender pasta!
How to Make
Step 1
First, add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
Step 2
Then, add in the butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 3
Then, add in the taco seasoning, tomatoes, broth, and milk. Bring to a boil.
Step 4
Once boiling, add in the pasta shells. Boil for 7 to 8 minutes, or until pasta is cooked.
Step 5
Turn the heat down to very low. Then, add in the shredded cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6
Finally, top with fresh herbs if desired. Serve!
Pro Tips for Making the Best Taco Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta shells for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until they are cooked al dente. This will ensure your taco pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy as the sauce thickens.
- Adjusting the Spice: For a milder flavor, use a mild salsa or Rotel and a mild taco seasoning blend. For more heat, choose a spicy variety or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- The Right Milk Matters: Whole milk or half-and-half are recommended for the best results. The fat content helps create a thicker, richer sauce. Skim milk is too thin and will not provide the same creamy texture.
- Ground Meat Options: While ground beef is a classic choice, feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as a leaner alternative.
Creative Ways to Customize
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different types of cheese. A Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would all be delicious in this creamy taco pasta.
Veggies: Stir in some black beans, corn, bell peppers, or diced onions along with the taco seasoning for added nutrients and flavor in your taco pasta.
Toppings: Top your finished one-pot taco pasta with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Serving and Storing
Serve your taco pasta hot and fresh, directly from the skillet. It’s a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating your taco pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A cup of your favorite salsa is a perfect substitute for Rotel tomatoes, as it provides a similar tomato base with some added spice and flavor.
This recipe is best cooked on the stovetop to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and the sauce thickens properly. The quick cooking time also makes it ideal for a weeknight.
A shredded Mexican cheese blend is a great choice, as it’s designed to melt well and has a flavor that complements the taco seasoning. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack are all excellent options that will give you a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Equipment Needed
Wooden Spoon: Mix the sauce, pasta, and beef with a wooden spoon.
Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this pasta taco dinner!
You May Also Enjoy
If you enjoyed this easy cheesy taco pasta recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! Check out these Dinner Recipes for more healthy and easy family dinner ideas.
