Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe

Have you ever craved something that combines the comforting vibes of pasta with the bold flavors of taco night? Let me walk you through my latest culinary obsession—a creamy, cheesy taco pasta dish that’s about to become your new weeknight favorite.

I adore mingling tastes, so my pasta in a creamy taco sauce is one of my most treasured culinary creations. With sturdy ground beef and tasty taco seasoning, this is a comforting dish that’s packing in protein.

Diced tomatoes with green chiles add a spicy kick, while the smooth, heavy cream and melted cheddar achieve that taco dip-like creaminess. Oh, and the ur-cream sauce is balanced with pasta.

Yes, please! There are ways to accent the whole dish with optional toppings, too.

Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy; base ingredient of the dish.
• Ground beef: Rich in protein and iron; adds hearty flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor profile; known for health benefits.
• Taco seasoning: Adds a spicy, savory kick to the dish.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds tang and slight heat; source of vitamins.
• Heavy cream: Creamy texture; supplies richness to the sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: Provides creaminess and a savory taste; source of calcium.

Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro

How to Make this Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe

1. Prepare the pasta by the directions on its package and cook until it is just enough done (al dente) to maintain its shape until served. Then, drain the pasta and put it aside until needed.

2. In a big skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and sauté until it is completely brown, breaking it up with a wooden spoon for 5-7 minutes. A big skillet is sometimes called a frying pan or sauté pan. It is an essential component in the kitchen for preparing recipes that call for stir-frying or sautéing food. Ground beef is generally a less costly ingredient than many other types of meat.

3. Combine diced onion and minced garlic with beef in skillet. Sauté until onion has reached translucency and garlic has become fragrant. This should take no longer than 3 minutes.

4. Stir in the taco seasoning mix so that it coats the beef and onion mixture evenly. Cook for an additional minute.

5. Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, including the liquid, and the beef broth. Combine by stirring.

6. Allow the flavors to meld slightly by simmering the mixture for 5 minutes.

7. Combine the heavy cream, stirring it into the mixture, which you want to return to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Combine the cooked pasta and the skillet, making sure they’re mixed well and that the creamy sauce has thoroughly coated the pasta.

9. Shredded cheddar cheese should be sprinkled over the pasta mixture. Stir until you have creamy sauce and melted cheese.

10. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you desire, serve hot with optional toppings, which can include sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.

Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Pot (for boiling pasta)
2. Colander (for draining pasta)
3. Large skillet or sauté pan
4. Wooden spoon (for breaking up and stirring beef)
5. Measuring spoons (for olive oil)
6. Knife (for dicing onion and mincing garlic)
7. Cutting board (for preparing onion and garlic)
8. Can opener (if needed for diced tomatoes)
9. Measuring cup (for beef broth and heavy cream)
10. Mixing spoon or spatula
11. Cheese grater (if shredding cheese from block)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Yes, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, shells, or even spaghetti. Adjust the cooking time as needed for different pasta shapes.
• Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?The ground beef can be swapped for a plant-based meat alternative, or black beans can be used for a vegetarian version.
• Can I make this dish in advance?Certainly! This dish can be prepared ahead of time and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days at most. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth if necessary to return it to its original consistency.
• How can I make this dish spicier?For more spice, think of enhancing it with chili powder, a hot sauce, or jalapeños.
• What can I use instead of heavy cream?You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half, a blend of milk and plain Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, if you wish.
• Can I use homemade taco seasoning?Without a doubt, taco seasoning that you make yourself is excellent and provides you with control over the flavoring and spices.
• What toppings go well with Creamy Taco Pasta?Typical garnishes consist of green onions chopped and sliced, tomatoes formed into small cubes, cilantro cut into small pieces, avocado cut into slices, and sour cream; these maintain dishes’ basic flavors while adding varied and interesting ones.

Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream for a less rich version of whatever you’re making. If you’re using it in a recipe, just know that your end product is going to taste a little “lighter.” Another good substitute for heavy cream (1 cup = 1 cup, for cooking purposes) is a mixture of half a cup of sour cream and half a cup of milk. Sour cream tastes richer and is thicker than either half-and-half or whole milk, so this mixture will get you closer to the standard you achieve when using heavy cream.
Monterey Jack or Colby cheese can be swapped in for cheddar cheese if you want a different flavor profile.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies:
Use regular diced tomatoes and add chopped fresh or canned green chilies separately.
Mix your own taco seasoning by blending chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavors with Broth Reduction: Before adding the pasta, let the beef, tomato, and broth mixture simmer a few extra minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors. This will deepen the overall taste of the dish.