This Creamy Taco Pasta recipe is a great way to explore new flavor combinations and enjoy a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Imagine bringing together the bold flavors of your favorite taco dish with the comfort of a heaping plate of pasta. Well, that’s exactly what you get with this incredible Taco Pasta recipe.
It’s a mouthwatering fusion of zesty taco seasoning, juicy ground beef, and tender pasta shells, all melded together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it comes together quickly and requires minimal clean-up.
So gather your family around the table and enjoy this scrumptious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a new favorite.
Taco Pasta
This creamy taco pasta recipe is a great way for anyone looking to explore new flavor combinations and enjoy a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Packed with delicious ingredients and customizable to suit various tastes, this great recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Give this easy taco pasta a try, and let the delicious fusion of flavors make your taste buds dance with joy!
taco pasta shells
Common Questions About Taco Pasta
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Some great alternatives to pasta shells include elbow macaroni, penne, fusilli, or rotini. You could even go gluten-free with the right gluten-free version of pasta!
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly to avoid any potential health risks.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground meat with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or a meatless crumble product.
Storage
Taco pasta is a delicious dinner and also makes great leftovers later in the week!
Refrigerator:
Store leftover taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Freezer:
Although possible, freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the pasta’s texture may become mushy when reheated.
Tips:
Try this out with your family for your next taco Tuesday. It’s a great way to change things up a bit!
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when combined with the sauce.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of milk or sour cream.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
Ingredients:
With such simple ingredients, this easy recipe will be your go-to next time you want to feed a crowd!
- Pasta shells
- Lean ground beef
- White onion
- Taco seasoning
- Tomato sauce
- Salsa
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
How to Make Taco Pasta:
This pasta dish is just a little different! Cooking pasta and taco seasoning together actually makes a really great combination.
- In a large pot or deep skillet, boil the shell pasta per the package directions. Drain and set aside when done.
- In the same pot or skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through (around 8 minutes). Crumble the meat as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the ground beef. Add the taco seasoning and tomato sauce to the beef.
- Add in the salsa and cream cheese. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce is combined and creamy.
- Turn off the heat and add in the cooked pasta shells and the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted throughout.
- Top with desired garnishes and serve!
Notes
● The pot used in this recipe was 4 quarts. You should use at least this size or larger.
● Homemade taco seasoning can be used in place of the packets. Use about 6 tablespoons of your own taco seasoning if replacing.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Taco Pasta:
For this hearty meal, you won’t need much in the way of supplies. You might consider this a one-pot meal!
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Colander
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
What to Serve With Taco Pasta:
Anything that goes well with that taco flavor! Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
- Fresh salad
- Garlic bread or cornbread
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Avocado slices or guacamole
Why You Should Make Taco Pasta:
This easy weeknight meal will satisfy a whole host of groups and situations.
- Quick and easy weeknight dinner: This recipe takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect option for busy evenings.
- Crowd-pleasing fusion of flavors: The combination of taco seasoning, ground beef, and pasta ensures everyone will be asking for seconds.
- Customizable to suit various dietary preferences: Swap out the meat or pasta for alternative options, or add veggies to accommodate different diets.
- Satisfying and filling meal: The hearty ingredients provide a delicious and satisfying dish that will leave you feeling full and content.
Variations and Add-Ins for Taco Pasta:
Try out any of your favorite taco toppings. This is such an easy dinner recipe to change up and do the way you like!
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option: Go for leaner proteins like ground chicken or turkey to create a healthier, yet plenty flavorful, version of this dish.
- Make a vegetarian taco pasta: To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives such as lentils or meatless crumbles for a protein-packed meal.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor: Enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish by adding in black beans or corn, which will also add a burst of color.
- Try different pasta shapes for a fun twist: Experiment with various pasta shapes like fusilli, bowties, or penne to keep the recipe interesting and visually appealing.
- Go all in on the spiciness: For spicy taco pasta, use hot seasoning and hot salsa. You can also add in hot sauce and/or peppers.
If you love this easy taco pasta recipe, you’re going to love these other Mexican-inspired dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Easy Dinners
If you love this recipe for Taco Pasta as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH YUMMI HAUS!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta shells
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 6 tablespoons taco seasoning or two packets
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups salsa
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
Optional garnishes: cilantro, additional shredded cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, lime
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, boil the pasta shells per the package directions. Drain and set aside when done.
- In the same pot or skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through (around 8 minutes). Crumble the meat as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the ground beef. Add the taco seasoning and tomato sauce to the beef.
- Add in the salsa and cream cheese. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce is combined and creamy.
- Turn off the heat and add in the cooked pasta shells and the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted throughout.
- Top with desired garnishes and serve!
Notes
● Homemade taco seasoning can be used in place of the packets. Use about 6 tablespoons of seasoning if replacing.
● For spicy taco pasta, use hot seasoning and hot salsa. You can also add in hot sauce and/or peppers.
● Freshly shredded cheese melts best. However, you can use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe as well.
● Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Reader Interactions
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Share Your Thoughts