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
Scale
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
