Who doesn't love a good ole mash-up of flavors? This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a fun twist on the classic taco night but nestled into a creamy, dreamy pasta that's sure to be a hit with the whole family! It's got everything we love about tacos—the spicy, savory meat, the zing of cheese—swirled into a comforting pasta dish. You might want to whip this up when you're craving that taco taste but in the mood for something a bit more hearty and cuddly for the cool evenings. Or hey, it might just be the perfect surprise dish to liven up that midweek slump.
Pair this delightful pasta with a refreshing green salad tossed with a cilantro-lime dressing to add a touch of brightness. For an extra touch of fun, serve some tortilla chips on the side—for scooping or crumbling on top, because who doesn't love a bit of crunch?
Advertisement
Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta
Servings: 6
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
- 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
Directions
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions to al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning. Set aside.
3. In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Slowly add milk and cream cheese, whisking until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined into a creamy sauce.
5. Add the cooked pasta and seasoned ground beef to the cheese sauce. Mix in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and stir until everything is coated with cheesy goodness.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Simmer everything together for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if you'd like.
Advertisement
Variations & Tips
- Not a beef fan? You could easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For the cheese, feel free to mix in some pepper jack if your family likes a little more heat.
- To sneak in some veggies, add a cup of corn or black beans when adding the beef to the pasta.
- Leftovers? This pasta heats up beautifully. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- And remember, this dish is all about versatility and feeding those you love, so don't hesitate to adjust the seasonings to match your family's tastes. Enjoy this comfort-filled dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile!
- For the cheese, feel free to mix in some pepper jack if your family likes a little more heat.
- To sneak in some veggies, add a cup of corn or black beans when adding the beef to the pasta.
- Leftovers? This pasta heats up beautifully. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- And remember, this dish is all about versatility and feeding those you love, so don't hesitate to adjust the seasonings to match your family's tastes. Enjoy this comfort-filled dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile!