Rich and creamy taco pasta with a spicy kick! This one-pot recipe features savory seasoned beef, tender pasta shells, and a gooey cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate comforting meal for the whole family!
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Taco night just got a whole lot easier! This one-pot taco pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. It has all the flavors you love – seasoned meats, 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! Plus, kids love this quick and easy dinner recipe. The whole family will love it. Be sure to try ours Chicken Taco Noodles for a similar taste!
Why you’ll love this easy taco pasta recipe
- One-pot wonder: The best part about making these one-pot taco noodles is that everything is made in a single pan, meaning minimal cleanup and a stress-free cooking experience.
- Quick and easy: This taco pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Family friendly: Both kids and adults will enjoy the familiar taco flavors and 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 this out Cajun chicken pasta for another creamy pasta dinner!
Ingredients and Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full taco pasta recipe.
First, we like to use ground beef for this recipe. On the other hand, ground chicken, ground pork, and ground turkey also work well!
Fry the chopped garlic in butter. It gives a delicious taste. If all you have is oil, we love olive oil and avocado oil.
When choosing taco seasoning, make sure you choose one without added sugar. The Siete brand is great!
Rotel tomatoes and green chilies provide a spicy taste! Feel free to substitute this with your favorite salsa.
Chicken broth and whole milk provide 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.
Grated cheese makes the sauce super creamy! Use shredded Mexican cheese, cheddar cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
Finally, top with fresh herbs if desired.
The delicious taste and texture of creamy taco pasta
These taco noodles have a great balance of flavor and texture. The ground beef is seasoned with a generous amount of taco seasoning, giving this one-pot taco pasta a smoky and savory touch.
The Rotel tomatoes (or salsa) add a touch of acidity and a spicy flavor. The combination of chicken broth and whole milk creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats each individual noodle bowl.
As the cheese melts, the sauce thickens to a luxurious, gooey consistency. The end result is a hearty, flavorful dish with a satisfying creamy sauce and tender noodles!
How to do it
Step 1
First, place the minced meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.
Step 2
Then add butter and garlic. Saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Then add the taco seasoning, tomatoes, broth and milk. Bring to a boil.
Step 4
Once boiling, add the pasta shells. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
Step 5
Turn the heat down to very low. Then add the grated cheese. Stir until the sauce is melted and thickened.
Step 6
Finally, top with fresh herbs if desired. Surcharge!
Pro tips for making the best taco noodles
- Do not overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta shells for about 7 to 8 minutes or until cooked al dente. This will ensure your taco noodles hold their shape and don’t get mushy as the sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning: For a milder flavor, use a mild salsa or Rotel and a mild taco seasoning mix. For more heat, choose a spicy variety or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- It all depends on the right milk: For best results, whole milk or half milk is recommended. The fat content helps create a thicker, richer sauce. Skimmed milk is too thin and doesn’t have the same creamy consistency.
- Minced meat options: While ground beef is a classic choice, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner alternative.
Creative options for individualization
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for making it your own:
Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different types of cheese. A Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack would be delicious in this creamy taco pasta.
Vegetables: Add some black beans, corn, bell peppers, or diced onions along with the taco seasoning to give your taco noodles extra nutrients and flavor.
Topping: Top your finished one-pot taco noodles with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, chopped scallions, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Serve and store
Serve your taco noodles hot and fresh straight from the pan. It’s a complete meal on its own, but also pairs well with a simple side salad.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you can add a splash of milk or broth when reheating your taco noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A cup of your favorite salsa is a perfect substitute for Rotel tomatoes as it offers a similar tomato base with a little more spice and flavor.
This recipe is best made on the stovetop to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and the sauce thickens properly. The short cooking time makes it ideal for a weeknight.
A mix of shredded Mexican cheese is a good choice because it melts well and has a flavor that complements the taco seasoning. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack are excellent options that give you a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Equipment needed
wooden spoon: Mix sauce, pasta and beef with a wooden spoon.
Large non-stick pan: This nonstick pan is big enough for this pasta taco dinner!
You can enjoy it too
If you enjoyed this easy cheesy taco pasta recipe, please leave a rating and comment! You can find further inspiration from me Facebook, InstagramAnd Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and other free resources, Sign in to receive my free newsletter! Check these out Dinner Recipes for healthier and easier family dinner ideas.
