Cheesy Taco Pasta
Cheesy taco pasta is a delicious fusion of creamy cheese and zesty taco flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This one-pot dish combines tender pasta with seasoned ground meat, colorful veggies, and melted cheddar, creating a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s simple to prepare and offers endless customization options, making it a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop the onion and bell peppers; mince the garlic.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté veggies: Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Mix in flavorings: Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning; cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Combine everything: Add cooked pasta, chicken broth, and half of the cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Melt cheese & serve: Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until cheese melts completely. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg