Zesty Taco Pasta Recipe: A Family-Favorite Fiesta In a Bowl

Weeknight dinners just got a zesty twist with this mouthwatering taco pasta recipe that combines two beloved favorites.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your plate, creating a culinary celebration of comfort and excitement.

Shells packed with robust spices bring an unexpected kick to traditional pasta nights.

Hearty ground beef mingles with perfectly seasoned noodles, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Cheese melts into every crevice, delivering a creamy texture that makes each bite irresistible.

Quick to prepare and bursting with bold southwestern flair, this dish turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to dig in and savor every single delectable spoonful.

Why Taco Pasta Recipe Blends Comfort With Spice

• Whip Up a Flavor Fest: This taco pasta combines the zesty excitement of tacos with comforting pasta, creating a mouthwatering meal that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
• Conquer Weeknight Dinner Stress: Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder solves the daily dinner dilemma with minimal dishes and maximum deliciousness.
• Kid-Friendly Culinary Magic: Packed with familiar flavors kids love, this recipe transforms a classic taco into a creamy, cheesy pasta that'll have children asking for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to make this versatile dish perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients For That Taco Pasta Crave

• Pasta: A hearty foundation for the dish, best with short shapes like rotini or penne.
• Salt: Enhances pasta flavor during boiling.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Classic taco flavor combination, rich and savory base.
• Taco Seasoning: Provides authentic Mexican-inspired spice blend.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Broth: Creates a moist, flavorful sauce for binding ingredients.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy texture and balances spicy notes.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides melty, rich topping with extra flavor.

• Cilantro, Jalapenos, Crushed Tortilla Chips: Fresh, spicy, and crunchy toppings for added texture and zest.

How To Cook Taco Pasta Step By Step

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Build Flavor

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Broth

Stir everything together, letting the spices and liquids create a mouthwatering sauce.

Step 3: Merge Pasta and Sauce

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese (half the amount)

Step 4: Melt and Garnish

• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos
• Crushed tortilla chips

Serve piping hot and prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance!

Tips To Get Saucy, Meaty Taco Pasta

• Boost Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect bite when mixed with the meaty sauce.
• Customize Meat Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version that still packs flavor.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild or hot varieties, or mix your own blend to match your heat preference.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let residual heat melt the cheese for a smoother, more even distribution and to prevent cheese from becoming tough or grainy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and keep the pasta from drying out.

Store Leftover Taco Pasta Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate leftover taco pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store the dish for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Transfer the pasta to a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicious taste.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid freezing this particular recipe, as the dairy components like sour cream and cheese can separate and change texture when thawed.
• For best results, consume the taco pasta within the recommended refrigeration timeframe to enjoy its optimal taste and quality.

Sides That Work With Taco Pasta Recipe

• Chill with Cool Beverages: Pair this spicy taco pasta with a frosty Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo, which cuts through the richness and complements the zesty flavors.
• Refresh with Citrus Drinks: A tangy margarita or fresh lime-infused sparkling water balances the hearty meat and creamy sauce, adding a bright, zesty twist.
• Complement with Crisp Salads: Serve alongside a light southwestern-style salad with mixed greens, corn, black beans, and a cilantro-lime vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the pasta's richness.
• Enhance with Crunchy Sides: Add tortilla chips or crispy corn salsa on the side to provide a satisfying textural contrast and extra Mexican-inspired flavor to the dish.

Taco Pasta Variations To Explore

• Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles, keeping the same zesty taco seasoning and cooking method for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chilies, increase taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a hotter flavor profile that brings intense southwestern heat.
• Creamy Chicken Upgrade: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken, creating a lighter protein option that maintains the same rich, comforting pasta texture.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation of the classic recipe.

Taco Pasta Questions You’ve Asked, Answered

• What makes this taco pasta different from regular pasta dishes?

This recipe combines the bold, spicy flavors of tacos with classic pasta, creating a unique fusion dish that’s both comforting and exciting. The taco seasoning and ground beef transform a simple pasta into a zesty, Mexican-inspired meal.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! You can easily adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning. For extra kick, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer less spice, use a mild seasoning or reduce the amount of spicy ingredients.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Most kids love pasta and tacos, so this recipe is perfect for families. The cheese and mild seasoning make it appealing to younger palates. You can also let kids customize their toppings to make mealtime more fun.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. It works perfectly in this recipe and provides a lighter protein option while maintaining the same delicious taco pasta flavor profile.

Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Culinary magic happens when Mexican taco pasta mingles bold spices with creamy comfort. Hearty ground beef, zesty seasonings, and cheesy goodness create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

Seasoning and Spice Ingredients:

• 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Diced avocado or guacamole

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, then carefully drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce ground beef, breaking it into crumbly fragments as it browns evenly. Incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, creating an aromatic base. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth, stirring thoroughly to distribute the flavors and create a rich, robust sauce.
4. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, letting the ingredients meld and intensify their taste profile. Fold in the previously cooked pasta, ensuring each strand is lovingly coated with the spicy sauce.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and introduce creamy sour cream, stirring to create a luxurious texture. Scatter half of the shredded cheese throughout the dish, creating pockets of melty goodness.
6. Crown the pasta with remaining cheese, allowing it to slowly melt and create an irresistible golden blanket. Optional: Embellish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crunchy tortilla chip fragments for added excitement.
7. Serve immediately while piping hot, inviting diners to dive into this vibrant, flavor-packed meal that marries the best of pasta and taco traditions.

Notes

• Select ground beef with a moderate fat content to ensure juicy, flavorful meat without excess grease.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and more authentic taste.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding extra jalapeños for spice enthusiasts.
• Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or quinoa pasta for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg