Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Creamy Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 73 reviews

This Creamy Cheesy Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of ground turkey cooked with salsa and taco seasoning, blended with creamy melted cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying one-pan skillet meal that delivers a delightful Tex-Mex twist perfect for weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced (about ¾ cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 1 cup salsa (not chunky)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • ¾ cup water

Pasta and Cheese

  • 2 ½ cups dry shell pasta, macaroni or rotini
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, divided in half
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided in half

Garnish (optional)

  • Sliced green onions
  • Diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics and turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the ground turkey and minced garlic, cooking until the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any liquid from the pan and return the turkey mixture to the skillet.
  2. Add sauce and simmer: Stir in the salsa, taco seasoning, and ¾ cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and reduced.
  3. Melt in cheeses: Stir in half of the shredded pepper jack cheese and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the skillet mixture until melted and smooth.
  4. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
  5. Combine pasta and meat mixture: Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cheesy taco meat mixture, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.
  6. Top with remaining cheese and melt: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of pepper jack and ½ cup of sharp cheddar cheeses evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet again and keep on low heat for about 3 minutes or until the cheese on top has melted.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and diced fresh tomatoes if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef for variation.
  • Use your favorite type of salsa, mild or spicy, based on your heat preference.
  • Macaroni, rotini, or any small pasta shapes work well in this dish.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of water for simmering.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/creamy-cheesy-taco-pasta-recipe/