Go Back
To make One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta, gather these simple items: - Pasta: 12 oz. rotini or penne - Protein: 1 lb ground turkey or beef - Vegetables: 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can black beans (15 oz, rinsed and drained), 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned), 1 cup diced tomatoes (with juices) - Seasonings: 1 packet taco seasoning, salt, pepper - Liquids: 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup heavy cream - Toppings: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The pasta holds the creamy sauce. The protein adds heartiness and flavor. Vegetables bring color and nutrition. Seasonings give that delicious taco taste. Liquids create the sauce, while toppings add a finishing touch. When cooking, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make your dish even tastier. Enjoy the process of preparing this delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take a large pot or a Dutch oven. Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook this for about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you smell the garlic. Next, it’s time for the meat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure it is fully cooked with no pink left. If there is too much fat, drain it off. Now, let’s add some flavor! Stir in a packet of taco seasoning. Mix it well so the meat and onions are coated. This is where the magic starts! Then, add the pasta to the pot. You can use 12 ounces of rotini or penne. Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Also, add 1 can of rinsed black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You want the pasta to be just right, or al dente. When the pasta is ready, it’s time for the creaminess! Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until everything melts and becomes creamy. If it feels too thick, you can add a bit more broth until it reaches the right texture. Finally, taste your dish. Add salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you like some heat! To enhance the creaminess of your One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta, use high-quality heavy cream. You can also add a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. If you want more flavor, stir in a splash of lime juice. It brightens the dish and balances the creaminess well. For seasoning adjustments, taste the pasta before serving. If it needs more kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne. You can also add a bit more taco seasoning if you want a stronger flavor. To prevent pasta from sticking, make sure to stir it well during cooking. This keeps it from clumping together. Adding a little olive oil to the pot can also help. Keep an eye on the heat; if it’s too high, the pasta can stick. Choosing the right pot is key. A large pot or Dutch oven works best. It gives enough space for the pasta to cook evenly and for the sauce to blend well. The wider the pot, the better it prevents sticking. For presentation ideas, serve the pasta in deep bowls. Top with extra cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro. Adding a lime wedge on the side not only looks good but also adds more flavor. Complementary sides can make the meal more complete. Try serving a simple green salad or some tortilla chips. A side of guacamole or salsa can also be a great addition. This way, you add more texture and flavor to your meal. Pro Tips Tip for Perfect Pasta: Always cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid and soften once mixed with the sauce. Customize Your Protein: You can easily swap ground turkey for chicken, beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile. Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add more heavy cream or a splash of sour cream just before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch out ground turkey or beef for other meats. Chicken works great in this dish. For a leaner option, try ground chicken. If you want to skip meat, go for plant-based crumbles. These substitutes keep the flavor while making it lighter. If you need gluten-free pasta, there are many choices. Brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta can work well. You can also use smaller pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells. Each shape adds a unique twist to the dish. Feel free to add more veggies to the mix. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach blend nicely. If you want heat, diced green chilies or more jalapeños can spice things up. For a milder taste, skip the spicy ingredients. Customize it to fit your taste! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Heat on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Let it cool down completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container for the best results. It will stay good for about three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of cream or broth to help with texture. Enjoy your easy meal later! It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. First, you spend 10 minutes prepping. This includes chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Next, you cook everything for 20 minutes. You sauté, boil, and simmer until the pasta is just right. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. These alternatives will change the flavor a bit, but they will still taste good. You might want to add a bit more cheese for creaminess. This blog post covered everything you need for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect flavor. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers properly. Cooking can be simple and fun with this tasty dish. Don't hesitate to try your own twists! With these guidelines, you can create a meal your family will love. Enjoy cooking and making new memories with this recipe!

One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish with a creamy taco flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • optional sliced jalapeños

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the meat and onions.
  • Add the pasta into the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.

Notes

Serve in bowls with extra cheese on top and freshly chopped cilantro as garnish. A wedge of lime on the side complements the dish perfectly.
Keyword creamy, one pot, pasta, taco