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Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 28 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to keep warm.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Incorporate Sour Cream and Salsa: Mix in the sour cream and salsa thoroughly until blended, creating a rich and flavorful sauce base.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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