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Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta

Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta
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Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with melted cream cheese, bold taco spices, and fresh ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a satisfying savory meal perfect for taco night or a cozy dinner crowd-pleaser, adaptable with various proteins and veggies to suit any preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

Dairy

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Spices & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed.
  2. Brown the Meat with Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Spice it Up: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the cooked meat. Stir well to coat the meat and allow the spices to toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavor.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the softened cream cheese, canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a splash of milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted completely and a smooth, velvety sauce forms, coating the meat mixture.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat all the pasta in the creamy taco sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  6. Top with Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden layer, about 3-5 minutes.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth melting without clumps.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after combining with sauce.
  • Fresh taco seasoning provides the best flavor; avoid stale spices.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to pasta.
  • Toss pasta gently to maintain shape and sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy taco pasta, creamy taco pasta, cream cheese pasta, taco dinner, easy pasta recipe, family friendly pasta, weeknight dinner

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