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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 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: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g