This Taco-Inspired Creamy Pasta with Cheese is a culinary masterpiece that has been a hit in our kitchen this month, making its way to our dinner table four times already!
Imagine the fusion of flavors from a classic taco night, but instead, they’re enveloped in a creamy, dreamy pasta. It’s a delightful twist that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! This dish captures the essence of tacos—the spicy, savory meat, the tang of cheese—all mixed into a comforting pasta dish.
This dish is perfect for those nights when you’re craving the taste of tacos but want something a bit more substantial and cozy for the cooler evenings. Or perhaps, it could be the ideal surprise dish to break the monotony of the midweek meals.
Pair this scrumptious pasta with a refreshing green salad drizzled with a cilantro-lime dressing for a burst of freshness.
For an added touch of fun, serve some tortilla chips on the side—perfect for scooping or crumbling on top, because who doesn’t love a bit of crunch?
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 lb pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained Salt, and pepper to taste Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, diced green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the pasta as per the package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain the excess fat and mix in the taco seasoning. Set it aside.
- In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually add milk and cream cheese, whisking until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and well combined into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and seasoned ground beef to the cheese sauce. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and mix until everything is coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Variations & Tips:
- If you’re not a fan of beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For the cheese, consider mixing in some pepper jack if your family prefers a little more heat.
- To incorporate some veggies, add a cup of corn or black beans when adding the beef to the pasta.
- Leftovers? This pasta is reheated wonderfully. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Remember, this dish is all about versatility and pleasing those you love, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your family’s tastes.
- Enjoy this comforting dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile!