Description
Cheesy taco pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese with zesty taco flavors, transforming any weeknight dinner into a festive celebration. With perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich cheese sauce and seasoned meat, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, cheesy taco pasta is sure to become a family favorite for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, cooking until tender (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the taco seasoning and add tomato sauce; let simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- Mix in softened cream cheese until fully incorporated.
- Combine the drained pasta with the meat mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg