Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is the kind of weeknight comfort food that brings the whole table running, forks in hand and smiles wide. Imagine tender pasta tossed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, swirled in a creamy, tangy sauce loaded with cheddar and just the right kick of taco flavor. This dish is a celebration of Tex-Mex magic and creamy pasta dreams, all in one bowl, and it comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this is one recipe that guarantees happy bellies and zero leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is that every ingredient plays a starring role. Simple pantry staples and a few refrigerator favorites combine to deliver bold taste, irresistible creaminess, and a pop of color in every bite.
- Pasta (12 oz, rotini, penne, or shells): Choose a shape that holds sauce well for maximum flavor in every forkful.
- Ground beef or ground turkey (1 lb): Go classic with beef or lighten it up with turkey; both add hearty texture and savory depth.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet or 2 tablespoons): The key to that signature Tex-Mex punch—use your favorite store-bought or homemade blend.
- Water (½ cup): Helps dissolve the seasoning and create a saucy base for the meat.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, like Rotel, undrained): Brings zing, juiciness, and a little heat to the party.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret weapon for a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend (1 cup): Melts right in for extra cheesiness and a gooey finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Just a pinch at the end to balance and brighten all the flavors.
- Chopped cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green on top adds freshness and a pretty pop of color.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook—al dente pasta holds up best to the creamy, cheesy sauce and keeps the texture spot-on.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef or turkey. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. If there’s extra fat in the pan, drain it off so your sauce doesn’t get greasy. This is where the heartiness of Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta begins!
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned meat and pour in the water. Stir well, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the meat soaks up all those bold spices and the flavors get cozy together.
Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Cream Cheese
Add the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir patiently as the cream cheese melts, transforming everything into a luscious, creamy sauce. This is the moment when your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet. Scatter in the shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend and stir until the cheese melts and everything is coated in that glorious, creamy taco sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Scoop the Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions if you like. Serve it up warm and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions gives your Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta a fresh, vibrant finish. If you’re feeling extra, try a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or a few crushed tortilla chips for crunch. The garnishes add color, texture, and just that little bit of something special.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of crisp green salad tossed in a lime vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm tortillas are also crowd-pleasers. For a Tex-Mex feast, serve alongside corn salsa or black beans.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta into a casserole by sprinkling extra cheese on top and broiling for a few minutes until bubbly. Serve it in taco shells for a fun pasta-taco mashup, or spoon it into bell pepper halves and bake until tender for a colorful, veggie-packed twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle overnight, making this dish a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—cream cheese sauces hold up surprisingly well!
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave portions in a covered dish or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While rotini, penne, or shells are great for holding the sauce, you can use any short pasta you love or even gluten-free alternatives for Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, just swap the ground meat for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. You’ll still get all the flavor and creaminess that makes Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta a hit.
Can I make this spicier?
Definitely! Use hot taco seasoning, add extra diced green chilies, or toss in some chopped jalapeños to give the dish a fiery kick that spice lovers will adore.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forgot to let it sit out, you can microwave the cream cheese (unwrapped) for 10-15 seconds until just soft. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly, which is key for that creamy Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta sauce.
Can I add extra veggies?
Of course! Stir in corn, black beans, or sautéed bell peppers for more color, texture, and nutrition. This recipe is super flexible and welcomes your favorite Tex-Mex add-ins.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cheesy, saucy, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavor, Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta will absolutely hit the spot. It’s quick, satisfying, and sure to become a new family favorite—give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Print
Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and comforting Tex-Mex inspired pasta dish featuring creamy, cheesy taco-seasoned ground beef and tender pasta, perfect for a family-friendly weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ cup water
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Ground Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream Cheese: Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies and the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continually until the cream cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend. Stir well until the cheese melts and everything is combined evenly.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra texture and nutrition, add black beans or corn to the sauce before combining with pasta.
- Use full-fat or light cream cheese depending on your preference for richness.
- Leftovers reheat well the next day, making this dish perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
