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Quick Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe

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A fast and satisfying dinner combining taco-seasoned beef with a creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 8 ounces (225g) uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Jalapeños, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450g) ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, stirring well to coat the meat and veggies evenly. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce, 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, and add 4 ounces (115g) softened cream cheese in chunks. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every noodle. Sprinkle in 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and gooey, about 1-2 minutes on low heat.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add sliced jalapeños if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente. Use softened cream cheese for smooth sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Melt cheese slowly on low heat to keep sauce silky. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and cheeses with coconut milk and dairy-free alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and taco seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, taco night, easy recipe, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta, 15-minute meal

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/quick-creamy-taco-pasta-recipe-15-minute-easy-dinner-idea/