Print

Easy One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: Quick Dinner

cheesy taco pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, efficient, and delicious weeknight dinner that combines taco flavors with creamy pasta in a single pot. This meal is perfect for busy nights, requiring minimal cleanup and using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) Rotini or Penne Pasta
  • 1 pound (450g) Ground Beef or Turkey
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
  • 2 cups (480ml) Chicken Broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (e.g., Rotel)
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (160g) Corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1.5 cups (170g) Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Heavy Cream or Milk (optional)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, then drain excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and onions. Stir well to coat and let it cook for about a minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, rinsed black beans, and corn. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Stir in the dry pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
  6. Once the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese and heavy cream (if using). The residual heat will melt the cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  7. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while the cheese is melty.

Notes

If the liquid evaporates before the pasta is soft, add a little more broth. If it’s too soupy, uncover and simmer for a minute longer. For a vegetarian version, swap beef for lentils or extra beans. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check taco seasoning certification. Leftovers thicken in the fridge; add broth or water when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta, one pot meal, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, family friendly

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/easy-one-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta-quick-dinner/