Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy taco pasta is a comforting twist on classic taco flavors combined with hearty pasta. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup white onion, diced
• 16 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni, ziti, or penne)
• 28 ounces tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (about 1 packet)
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• Salt to taste
• Shredded iceberg lettuce (optional, for topping)
• Diced tomatoes (optional, for topping)
• Diced green onion (optional, for topping)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Green chiles (optional, for topping)
• Cilantro (optional, for topping)
• Sour cream (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground turkey.
3. Step 3: After about 4 minutes, add the diced onion to the skillet. Stir and sauté until the turkey is no longer pink and the onions become translucent.
4. Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture. Stir well, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it fully melts and creates a creamy sauce. Then add the cooked pasta and toss it gently to coat everything evenly. Remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta topped with your choice of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, green chiles, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey for a different flavor.
• Try adding black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrients.
• For a spicier dish, add extra green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Mexican crema for a tangier sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, any sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti works best to hold the creamy sauce, but feel free to use your favorite shape.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze the pasta, the texture of cream cheese-based sauces may change. It’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately if possible, then combine after thawing and reheating.

Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews

This Creamy Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with tender ground turkey and al dente pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. The dish features a rich tomato and cream cheese sauce and is finished with fresh taco-inspired toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, green onion, cheese, and sour cream, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup white onion, diced
• 16 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni, ziti, or penne)
• 28 ounces tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (1 packet)
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• Salt to taste

Toppings

• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced green onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Green chiles
• Cilantro
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the ground turkey: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown.
3. Sauté onions with turkey: Add the diced white onion to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir until the turkey is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add sauce and seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
5. Melt cream cheese into sauce: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it has completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
6. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and thoroughly toss it with the creamy taco sauce until well coated. Remove from heat.
7. Serve with toppings: Portion the creamy taco pasta onto plates and top with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, green chiles, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream as desired.

Notes

• Use any type of tubular pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or penne for the best results.
• Ground turkey keeps this dish leaner, but you can substitute ground beef if preferred.
• Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to suit your spice preference.
• If cream cheese is too thick, soften it slightly before adding for easier melting.
• Fresh toppings add a nice contrast in texture—feel free to add or omit based on availability.
• Leftovers reheat well and can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Keywords: creamy taco pasta, ground turkey pasta, taco pasta recipe, easy dinner, taco seasoning pasta