Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together ground beef, pasta, and a blend of cheeses for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup milk
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Sliced jalapenos (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until perfectly al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until browned with no pink remaining, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to combine thoroughly. Pour in the salsa and simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese and milk, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and combined.
6. Step 6: Fold the cooked pasta gently into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. Warm through for another 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapenos if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite pasta shape—penne or rotini work well to hold the creamy sauce.
• For extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or diced green chilies.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and add cooked black beans or sautéed vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure your taco seasoning mix is gluten-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add sliced jalapenos, hot sauce, or extra taco seasoning to increase the heat to your liking.

Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 88 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines taco-seasoned ground beef with a rich cheese sauce made from cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan. Perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luscious, spicy cheese blend makes it an indulgent yet easy weeknight meal or party favorite. Garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeños, it brings a delightful Mexican twist to classic comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

Cheese and Dairy

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup milk

Seasonings and Extras

• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Sliced jalapenos (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until perfectly al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving some pasta water if desired.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until fully browned with no pink remaining, about 5-6 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the pan.
4. Add Seasoning and Salsa: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the beef mixture, stirring well to coat. Pour in the salsa and let it simmer together for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Make Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and milk, mixing continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and silky. Gradually fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and fully combined.
6. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, gently folding to ensure every noodle is coated in the cheesy taco mixture. Warm everything together on low heat for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and cheese to reduce fat content if desired.
• For a spicier dish, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• This dish reheats well and tastes great the next day.
• Reserve a little pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Pasta, Cream Cheese Pasta, Taco Seasoned Ground Beef, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Mexican Pasta Recipe