Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a fusion of two favorite comfort foods—tacos and creamy pasta! This dish combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef, taco spices, cream cheese, and melted cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family favorite that’s quick to prepare and packed with bold, cheesy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the bold flavors of tacos with the creamy comfort of pasta.
- Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or turkey
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a taco blend)
- Taco seasoning
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- Onion (optional)
- Garlic (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, if using, and sauté until softened.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and cover the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt, about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Version: Use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meatless crumbled alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and taco seasoning.
- Taco Pasta Bake: Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.
- Toppings Galore: Serve with sour cream, avocado slices, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape works, but short pasta like penne or rotini is ideal for holding the sauce.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a taco blend work wonderfully. For extra spice, try pepper jack cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine when ready to serve for best results.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or spinach make great additions.
How do I make this creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce for extra creaminess.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes you use. Opt for mild versions if you prefer less heat.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken works well as a substitute.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente and mix it into the sauce just before serving.
Can I skip the cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds richness, but you can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
What can I serve with this dish?
This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or tortilla chips on the side.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a deliciously comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor. With its creamy sauce, bold taco spices, and hearty pasta, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whip it up on a busy weeknight or enjoy it as a satisfying meal anytime you crave a little Tex-Mex magic!
Print
Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This creamy pasta is loaded with taco-seasoned beef, cream cheese, and melty cheese for a deliciously indulgent dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning:
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream Cheese:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) and the softened cream cheese. Cook, stirring, until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy taco sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Cheddar Cheese:
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. For an extra touch of creaminess, mix in sour cream before serving.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for a different protein option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.