Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta combines the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy comfort of pasta with the bold, zesty flavors of taco seasoning. This dish offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta recipes by incorporating taco-inspired ingredients, making it a fun and flavorful meal. The creamy sauce, enhanced with taco seasoning and cream cheese, coats each pasta strand, while ground beef and a blend of cheeses add extra richness and texture.
2. What You’ll Need
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225g) of penne or rotini pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth or water
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
3. How to Make
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Taco Meat Sauce:
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the beef and onion mixture. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning. Pour in the beef broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring until well combined.
- Add Cheeses and Spices: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Mexican blend cheese until melted and incorporated. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until thickened. Season with dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Mix Together: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy taco sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Heat Through: Allow the pasta and sauce to cook together for a few minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Finish and Serve:
- Garnish: Serve the Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy this flavorful and creamy pasta dish with your favorite side dishes or as a standalone meal.
4. Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This pasta dish is best served immediately while hot and creamy. It pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread.
- Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture.
5. Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Pasta: Be sure not to overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
- Curdling the Cream: Avoid adding the cream and milk to a boiling mixture to prevent curdling. Stir them in after reducing the heat.
- Too Thick or Thin Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a flour slurry if it’s too thin or thinning it with additional milk if it’s too thick.
6. Tips and Tricks
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and jalapeños to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the taco meat sauce ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Reheat and mix with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, to add variety to the flavor.
7. FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit or replace the cheese with a vegetarian option. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed. - Can I use low-fat dairy products?
You can use low-fat versions of the dairy products, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
8. Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a delightful and creamy twist on traditional pasta dishes, bringing the vibrant flavors of taco seasoning into a comforting, cheesy pasta dish. With its easy preparation and satisfying taste, it's perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation, offering a blend of creamy textures and bold flavors in every bite. Enjoy the indulgence of this flavorful pasta dish that combines the best of both worlds in a single, delicious meal!
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Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta 🌮🧀
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta combines the savory flavors of taco seasoning with creamy pasta and a rich cheese sauce. This dish is an easy, comforting meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning and mix well. Add salsa and cook for 2 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and milk to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the cheese sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a bit more cream cheese or use a mix of cheeses.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of taco seasoning or add hot salsa.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of the dish
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g
