If you have been searching for a dish that brings all the irresistible flavors of tacos together with the creamy goodness of pasta, look no further than this Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe. This hearty meal takes seasoned ground beef and wraps it up in a blanket of cream cheese and melted cheddar, tossed with tender pasta that soaks up all those bold, zesty flavors. It’s a celebration of comfort food at its best—perfectly cheesy, subtly spicy, and incredibly satisfying for any weeknight craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, well-chosen ingredients is key for making this dish shine. Each component adds a unique layer, from the savory punch of ground beef and taco seasoning to the creamy richness of cream cheese and cheddar, while the salsa introduces that signature tangy brightness.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): Choose shapes that hold sauce well to maximize every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the beef perfectly and adds subtle richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that carries the taco spices beautifully.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade): Delivers classic taco flavor without fuss.
- 1/3 cup water: Used to simmer the beef and seasoning, creating a flavorful sauce.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds smooth creaminess that binds the dish.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Enhances the tang and silky texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy deliciousness.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a mild, buttery note and extra meltiness.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Brings a fresh, vibrant kick of spice and acidity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (optional): Adds a bright, herbal finish to the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta according to the package directions until just tender. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside. Using penne or rotini allows the sauce to cling beautifully to every bite, making sure no flavor goes to waste.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula, cooking until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This is where that deep, savory flavor starts developing, so don’t rush this step. Drain any excess fat for a leaner base.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir well, then let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly. This step infuses the meat with the classic taco zest that makes this dish so memorable.
Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese
Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until it melts completely and integrates with the meat, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce base that will coat the pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Mix in Sour Cream and Salsa
Next, fold in the sour cream and salsa to brighten the flavor and add a mild tang. This combination elevates the dish from just cheesy to wonderfully balanced and flavorful.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Now, gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Then stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, allowing them to melt fully and lend that irresistible gooey texture.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions if you like a fresh herbal pop to finish this delicious dish.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise, fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream work wonders. They add brightness, contrast, and a hint of freshness that complements the creamy richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t overpower its boldness. Think a crisp garden salad, Mexican street corn, or a bed of sautéed green beans. Adding crunchy tortilla chips or a warm, buttery cornbread rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in individual bowls topped with avocado slices and a sprinkle of crushed chili flakes for a colorful, restaurant-style touch. It also works wonderfully layered into a casserole dish, then baked until bubbly for a cozy crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but for best results, freeze it without the fresh garnishes. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or water helps restore the creamy texture and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that work well with the taco seasoning and cream cheese sauce. Just be sure to cook thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. You can easily adjust spiciness by selecting mild or hot salsa and seasoning, or by adding jalapeños if you want an extra kick.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, by swapping the ground beef for beans like black beans or lentils, you can enjoy a vegetarian version. Adding extra vegetables such as corn or bell peppers adds texture and flavor complexity.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. However, any short or medium pasta that can catch sauce, like rigatoni or fusilli, will work well.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out when reheating?
Adding a little milk, broth, or water when reheating helps bring back the creamy consistency, keeping the pasta moist and delicious rather than dry or clumpy.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that combines the fun flavors of tacos with the hearty comfort of pasta, this Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to prepare, delightfully cheesy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for sharing with family or savoring on a cozy night in. Give it a go and watch it become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!
Print
Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
Cheesy taco cream cheese pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines all the bold spices of tacos with the rich creaminess of a cheesy pasta. Made with seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, and melted cheddar tossed with tender pasta, it’s an easy, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/3 cup water
Dairy and Cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Additional Flavorings
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning along with 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted completely and combined with the seasoned beef mixture to form a creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Salsa: Mix in the sour cream and salsa thoroughly until blended, creating a rich and flavorful sauce base.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and fold it gently into the creamy mixture until evenly coated. Then stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños.
