Hey y’all! Craving something that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor? This Easy Taco Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner—packed with cheesy goodness, zesty taco spices, and tender pasta all in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, looking for comfort food, or need a quick meal for busy nights, this recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Taco Pasta
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Combines all your favorite taco flavors in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
- Kid-friendly and customizable for picky eaters or spice lovers.
- One-pot recipe means fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch or meal prep.
Ingredients for Easy Taco Pasta
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) medium pasta shells or rotini
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or spicy to taste)
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy Taco Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking for 5-6 minutes until browned and the onion is soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Veggies
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture. Add diced tomatoes, salsa, and corn (if using). Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Lower the heat to medium. Add cream cheese, milk, and half the shredded cheddar. Stir until melted into a creamy sauce, about 3 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, sour cream, or green onions if you like.
Notes for Easy Taco Pasta
- Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter dish.
- Use different cheese blends for unique flavors—Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are delicious options.
- Make your own taco seasoning for less sodium; see this homemade taco seasoning recipe for inspiration.
Easy Taco Pasta Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add black beans or pinto beans for protein.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy salsa for a kick.
- One-Pot: Cook the pasta directly in the skillet by adding 2 cups water or broth with the tomatoes, then simmer until the pasta is done.
Equipment Needed for Easy Taco Pasta
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Store Easy Taco Pasta
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy-based sauce may separate.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Taco Pasta
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Pair with tortilla chips and guacamole for a Tex-Mex feast.
- Enjoy with a refreshing beverage like agua fresca.
Pro Tips for Best Easy Taco Pasta
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest melt—pre-shredded cheese can be less smooth (here’s why).
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the perfect flavor balance.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up best in the sauce.
Easy Taco Pasta FAQ
- Can I make Easy Taco Pasta ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare as directed and store in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
- What pasta shapes work best?
- Short shapes like shells, rotini, or penne hold the sauce beautifully and are easy to eat.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Swap in gluten-free pasta and check your taco seasoning label to make this dish gluten-free.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) rotini or penne pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) taco seasoning
- 1 cup (240 ml) salsa
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) canned corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
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3Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
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4Add the cooked pasta, corn, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated.
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5Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
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6Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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