Print

Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Idea

cheesy taco pasta - featured image

A quick and easy dish combining bold taco flavors, tender pasta, and a creamy cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (shells or rotini)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet or 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (about 5 minutes).
  3. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir to coat evenly. Add tomato sauce and chicken broth, then stir until combined.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and smooth. Then, add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully incorporated.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cheesy taco sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta.
  8. Garnish with your favorite toppings—fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or sour cream—and serve.

Notes

[‘Season as you go to adjust the flavor to your liking.’, ‘Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce.’, ‘Cook pasta al dente to absorb the sauce better.’, ‘If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk or more chicken broth to loosen it up.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy taco pasta, taco pasta recipe, easy comfort food, weeknight dinner, Tex-Mex pasta