Taco Pasta
User Reviews
4.8
Taco Pasta
Description
The Taco Pasta recipe uses ground turkey cooked with a mix of spices including chili powder, cumin, and paprika to create a flavorful taco base. Diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity, while cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese melt into the hot pasta shells, forming a creamy sauce that binds all ingredients together. The pasta is cooked separately then combined with the meat mixture to retain the correct texture. Chopped tomato and cilantro on top provide freshness and a slight crunch to contrast with the creamy pasta.
Cooking the onions and garlic thoroughly before adding the meat ensures deep flavor development. Simmering the seasoned meat with tomatoes and cream cheese creates a rich sauce that coats every shell. This dish works well served alone or alongside a simple salad to brighten the meal.
The recipe allows flexibility with the ground meat choice and suggests adding greens like spinach or kale to incorporate vegetables. The homemade seasoning can be swapped with a store-bought packet to save time without sacrificing the essential taco flavor of the dish.
Ingredients
For the homemade taco seasoning*
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano dried
For the pasta
- 8 ounces pasta shells about 3-4 cups dry, medium
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion about 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic about 1 clove, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey (or chicken or beef)
- 1 (10-ounce) can tomato drained, diced
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 ounces cream cheese light
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- cilantro for topping, chopped
- tomato for topping, chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add all the ingredients for the taco seasoning. Mix to combine and set aside. (Alternatively, you can substitute the homemade mix with 1 packet of store-bought taco seasoning if you prefer.)
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and onions and cook for about 5 minutes until onions have softened and are translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground meat, break up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Stir to combine and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add water and cream cheese. Stir together until the cream cheese has fully melted to create a sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss to combine until the cheese has fully melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper as necessary. Top with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can replace the homemade seasoning with a store-bought taco seasoning packet for convenience.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground beef, chicken, or a plant-based alternative based on preference.
- Adding 2 cups of kale or spinach with the diced tomatoes increases the vegetable content of the dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 397 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/6th of recipe | |
| Calories | 397kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 389mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 149mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 800IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 12.4mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 200mg | 20% |
| Iron | 2.9mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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