Servings
Font
Back
4.8 from 78 votes

Taco Pasta

This Taco Pasta is a one-pot cheesy weeknight dinner ready in only 40 minutes from start to finish. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that kids love!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 397 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

For the homemade taco seasoning*
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
For the pasta
  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells (about 3-4 cups dry)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onions (about 1 small onion)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic  (about 1 clove)
  • 1 pound ground turkey (or chicken or beef)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4 ounces light cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • chopped cilantro and tomatoes, for topping

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.)
  2. Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground meat, break up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Add diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Stir to combine and simmer for 3 minutes.
  7. Add water and cream cheese. Stir together until the cream cheese has fully melted to create a sauce. 
  8. 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 substitute the homemade taco seasoning with 1 packet of store-bought taco seasoning if you prefer.
  • Instead of ground turkey, you can use ground beef, ground chicken, or your favorite plant-based substitute if you prefer.
  • To sneak in some extra veggies, add in 2 cups of kale or spinach when adding in the diced tomatoes.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1/6th of recipe Calories 397kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 83mg (28%) Sodium 389mg (16%) Potassium 149mg (4%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 800IU (16%) Vitamin C 12.4mg (14%) Calcium 200mg (20%) Iron 2.9mg (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 397

% 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.