Magical Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy, cheesy pasta takes an exciting turn with this mouthwatering taco cream cheese pasta that blends zesty Mexican-inspired flavors into every single bite.

Tender pasta noodles dance with seasoned ground beef and melted cream cheese, creating a symphony of tastes that’ll make your taste buds sing.

The dish brings together classic comfort food with a spicy twist that keeps you coming back for more.

Packed with bold spices and rich textures, this recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a celebration of flavor.

Colorful toppings like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese add visual appeal and extra deliciousness.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and satisfying elements that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein alternative. Simply follow the same cooking method and seasoning instructions for a delicious swap.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate spice level from the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you prefer less heat, choose a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount used.

• How do I know when the ground meat is fully cooked?

The meat is done when it’s no longer pink and has been broken into small, even crumbles. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F for food safety.

• What if I don't have taco seasoning?

You can make a quick homemade version using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these spices to create a similar flavor profile to store-bought taco seasoning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Taco Pasta Ingredient Breakdown

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation for this creamy dish, choosing a short pasta like rotini or penne works best for catching all the delicious sauce.
• Pasta Water: Reserved cooking liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce consistency.

• Ground Beef: Delivers rich, meaty flavor and protein, opt for lean beef to reduce excess grease.
• Taco Seasoning: Infuses the dish with bold, zesty southwestern spices, selecting a high-quality blend enhances overall taste.

• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety texture, allowing it to soften at room temperature ensures smooth melting.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and melty goodness, shredding fresh cheese provides better melting.
• Sour Cream: Introduces extra creaminess and slight tanginess, full-fat version recommended for best results.

• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Provides bright, zesty kick and moisture to the sauce, undrained helps maintain perfect consistency.
• Cilantro: Optional garnish that brings fresh, herbal notes to finish the dish.

Tools for Creamy, Cheesy Taco-Inspired Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta, needs to be big enough to hold water and pasta comfortably.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and creating the creamy taco sauce.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and effectively.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring beef, breaking up meat, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Crucial for accurately measuring water, taco seasoning, and pasta water.
• Cheese grater: Useful if using block cheddar cheese that needs shredding.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping cilantro as a garnish if desired.

Cook a Comforting Pasta That’s Packed With Flavor

• Fire Up the Pasta Pot

Boil a big pot of salty water and cook pasta until perfectly tender. Save a splash of pasta water for later.

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbles. Drain away any extra fat for a lean dish.

• Spice It Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and let it simmer, creating a flavor-packed sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Creamy Transformation

Tumble in diced tomatoes with green chilies and soft cream cheese. Stir until everything melts into a dreamy, zesty mixture.

• Pasta Party

Fold the cooked pasta into the beefy sauce, coating every inch with that irresistible taco-inspired goodness. If it looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water.

• Cheese Finale

Melt shredded cheddar into the skillet, creating a gooey, irresistible finish. For extra creaminess, swirl in a dollop of sour cream.

• Serve and Celebrate

Optional: Scatter fresh cilantro on top. Dig in while it’s hot and enjoy your flavor explosion!

Tips for a Smooth Sauce and Even Toppings

• Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to prevent a mushy texture and help it better absorb the creamy taco sauce.
• Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or mix your own custom blend for personalized flavor intensity.
• Prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days, making weeknight dinner prep super quick and easy.
• Transform this dish for different dietary needs by using ground turkey instead of beef, gluten-free pasta for celiac diets, or plant-based meat alternatives for vegetarian friends.
• Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.

Serve With Tortilla Chips or Jalapeños

• Fiesta Bowl Presentation: Serve the pasta in vibrant, colorful bowls that highlight the rich, creamy texture and make each bite look irresistible.
• Taco Topping Adventure: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, and additional shredded cheddar on top for a crunchy, zesty layer of excitement.
• Fresh Finish Boost: Top with fresh chopped green onions, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream to add brightness and cool contrast to the spicy, cheesy pasta.
• Sidekick Companions: Pair with a crisp side salad or quick garlic bread to complement the hearty and flavorful main dish, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Store in Containers for Lunch the Next Day

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for maximum 3-4 days, ensuring optimal taste and food safety.
• Warm pasta in microwave using medium power, stirring every 30 seconds. Add splash of milk or water to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Portion cool pasta into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
• Keep garnishes like cilantro separate when storing. Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain crisp flavor and prevent wilting during storage.

Dreamy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta blends Mexican-inspired flavors with creamy comfort. Quick weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple, delicious recipe that satisfies pasta and taco cravings in one hearty dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
• ½ cup water
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain while reserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid.
2. Meat Preparation: In a spacious skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into fine crumbles until thoroughly cooked and developing a rich caramelized exterior. Drain excess fat.
3. Seasoning Integration: Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef, adding water to create a robust sauce. Simmer until the mixture reduces and flavors intensify.
4. Creamy Fusion: Blend undrained green chili tomatoes and cream cheese into the seasoned meat. Stir continuously to create a smooth, uniform sauce with deep flavor profiles.
5. Pasta Incorporation: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing completely to ensure every pasta strand is evenly coated with the spicy meat sauce. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Cheese Melting: Scatter shredded cheddar across the pasta, stirring until achieving a glossy, fully melted texture. Fold in sour cream to enhance the dish’s creamy richness and provide a tangy undertone.
7. Final Touch: Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant, herbaceous accent. Serve piping hot to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Pasta Water Preservation: Reserve some starchy pasta water before draining to help create a silky, cohesive sauce that perfectly coats the noodles and enhances overall dish texture.
• Beef Browning Technique: Cook ground beef over moderate heat, allowing it to develop a deep caramelized exterior for maximum flavor depth and rich meaty complexity.
• Seasoning Integration: Thoroughly mix taco seasoning with beef and allow it to simmer, which helps intensify the spice profile and ensures even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Cheese Melting Wisdom: Add shredded cheddar gradually and stir continuously to achieve a smooth, luxurious melted consistency without creating clumpy or separated cheese sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg