Craving the savory spices of tacos mixed with comforting pasta? This taco pasta recipe combines the best of both worlds into one incredible dish. You can whip up this family-friendly meal in just 30 minutes, minimizing cleanup thanks to its one-pot design. Get ready for a cheesy, savory, Tex-Mex inspired dinner that’s perfect for even your busiest weeknights. This delicious meal will quickly become a go-to favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Pasta Recipe
This delightful creamy taco pasta recipe brings so much to your dinner table. You’ll find yourself making it again and again for these great reasons:
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less mess and a breeze to clean up.
- Lightning Fast: From start to finish, your meal is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Family Favorite: Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds of this cheesy, flavorful dish.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your family’s unique tastes and dietary needs.
- Incredibly Creamy and Cheesy: A rich, luscious sauce coats every noodle for ultimate comfort.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This dish is filling and packed with flavor, making it a complete meal on its own.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your unforgettable one-pot taco pasta recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of Tex-Mex flavor.
1 lb. Ground Beef (85% lean recommended)
1 Tablespoon Butter
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 oz. packet Taco Seasoning
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
1 cup Beef broth
1 cup Chicken broth
1 cup Whole milk (at room temp)
1 (10 oz.) can Rotel Tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
½ lb. Medium pasta shells (see notes below)
1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
4 oz. Velveeta cheese (cut into cubes (equal to 1/3 cup)* can sub with ¾ cup shredded cheese)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this taco pasta recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. Feel free to use all beef broth or all chicken broth if you don’t have both on hand. For the best melt, shred your cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded. If you prefer to omit Velveeta, simply use an additional ¾ cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. Any short pasta shape, like elbow macaroni or penne, will work beautifully in this delicious taco pasta. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef Always use room temperature milk to help prevent the sauce from curdling when added to hot ingredients.
Equipment
You won’t need many kitchen tools for this simple creamy taco pasta. These are the essentials for making this easy dinner.
- Large high-walled pot or Dutch oven
- Box cheese grater (if shredding block cheese)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula or stirring spoon
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your amazing one-pot taco pasta recipe. This process is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
First, shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from a block. Set it aside so it can reach near room temperature before you add it to the pasta sauce. This step helps ensure a smooth, creamy melt in your taco pasta.
Next, cook and crumble the ground beef in your large, high-walled pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the beef is fully browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot.
Melt the butter in the same pot. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. This quickly builds a savory base for the taco pasta.
Now, add all the remaining ingredients except for the cheese and pasta to the pot. This includes the taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, chicken broth, milk, and Rotel tomatoes. Stir everything together well to combine all the delicious flavors.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the pasta shells to the pot, making sure to submerge them completely in the liquid. This ensures even cooking for your pasta.
Cover the pot tightly and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to slide a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pot halfway through cooking to lift any ingredients that might settle and prevent sticking. This is key for a truly one-pot experience with this easy taco pasta.
Remove the cover and check the pasta for doneness. Taste-test a noodle; if it’s not quite ready, cover and cook a little longer until it reaches your desired al dente texture.
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta cheeses until they are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. This creates the signature creamy texture of this incredible taco pasta recipe.
There will be plenty of sauce, but it will naturally thicken as it stands, and the pasta will continue to absorb some of it. Serve your creamy taco pasta hot once it reaches your desired consistency. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making the perfect creamy taco pasta is easy with these simple tips.
- Avoid sticky pasta: Stir the pasta thoroughly halfway through the cooking time to prevent it from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Creamy sauce secret: For the silkiest, most delicious sauce, always shred cheese from a block yourself. Culinary experts often note that anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can hinder smooth melting in your taco pasta.
- Adjust consistency: If your sauce seems too thick after cooking, simply add a splash more broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Spice level: Control the heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Prevent curdling: Understanding the science of cooking can help enhance your recipes; for instance, learning how to prevent milk from curdling in hot dishes by using room temperature milk helps keep the sauce smooth and prevents it from separating when it hits the hot liquid.
- Don’t overcrowd: Always use a large enough pot or Dutch oven to allow the pasta to cook evenly and prevent overflow.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile taco pasta recipe offers many ways to enjoy it, store it, and customize it.
Serving suggestions: Elevate your creamy taco pasta with an array of fresh toppings. We love a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños for a kick, or crunchy tortilla strips. Diced avocado and a squeeze of lime also add a lovely finish.
Storage: Store any leftover taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This is a great meal prep option!
Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Boost the nutrition and flavor by stirring in canned corn, black beans (rinsed and drained), diced bell peppers, or sautéed onions during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Protein swaps: Beyond ground turkey, try shredded chicken. If using cooked shredded chicken, add it along with the cheese to simply warm through.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with Pepper Jack or Colby Jack cheese for a different, zesty flavor profile in your creamy taco pasta.
Nutrition
Enjoying this delicious taco pasta recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful meal. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Keep in mind these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
This hearty meal provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a fulfilling option for your family. Remember, this is an estimation only.
FAQ
Got questions about making this fantastic taco pasta? We have answers!
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef in this taco pasta recipe.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like medium shells, elbow macaroni, or penne are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients, but for the best texture, cook the pasta just before serving as it can absorb too much sauce if left to sit.
How can I make this spicier?
Use hot Rotel tomatoes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning, or include a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Does taco pasta freeze well?
Yes, it does! Store cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat gently.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
With a simple swap to gluten-free pasta, this easy taco pasta recipe can be made entirely gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, or onions are great additions for extra flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
This one-pot creamy taco pasta recipe truly delivers on both flavor and convenience. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious, satisfying meal in a flash. With minimal cleanup and incredible Tex-Mex inspired taste, this dish is destined to become a staple in your home. We encourage you to try this simple, family-friendly meal soon! If you love it, please share your thoughts and rate the recipe below.