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Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 88 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/cheesy-taco-cream-cheese-pasta-recipe/