Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta with a Twist is the ultimate comfort food, combining the bold flavors of tacos with creamy, cheesy pasta—all in one pot! With a smoky chipotle kick, zesty lime, and a luscious cheese sauce, this easy 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it a hit with the whole family. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in just one pot!
Ingredients
Ground beef (or turkey)
Rotini or penne pasta
Taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
Diced tomatoes with green chilies
Beef broth
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Cream cheese
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Fresh lime juice
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened. Stir in taco seasoning and diced chipotle peppers, letting the flavors develop.
Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well, then add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and creamy.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for extra freshness.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans or plant-based ground meat.
To adjust spice levels, reduce or omit chipotle peppers for a milder version, or add extra for more heat.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
This dish stores well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~450 per serving
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta with a Twist, cheesy taco pasta, one-pot taco pasta, creamy taco pasta, taco pasta recipe, cheesy Mexican pasta