The Creamiest Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe Ever

Tucking into a hearty cheesy taco cream cheese pasta brings pure comfort right to your plate.

Creamy textures blend with zesty Mexican-inspired flavors for an unexpected dinner delight.

Weeknight meals just got way more exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Bold spices dance through each forkful, creating a meal that feels both familiar and adventurous.

Home cooks will love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Pantry staples transform into something magical when combined with a few strategic ingredients.

You’ll want to serve this pasta at your next gathering – trust me.

Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta at a Glance

• Easily adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, and add extra toppings like sour cream, green onions, or avocado to make it your own.
• Kids and adults will love the creamy, cheesy texture combined with zesty taco-inspired flavors that bring excitement to the dinner table.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this convenient recipe that combines everything in a single pan, saving you time and effort after a long day.

Ingredients in Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that provides the base for this creamy and cheesy dish.
• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the recipe.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes to the rich and smooth texture of the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and tangy flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty dimension to the overall taste.

• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy consistency for the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a aromatic and savory base for the meat sauce.
• Taco Seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mexican-inspired spices and warmth.
• Salsa: Adds a zesty and slightly spicy element to the meat sauce.

• Cilantro, Jalapenos: Offer fresh and spicy finishing touches to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Salt, Pepper: Help to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Cook Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Drain and set the pasta aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles.

Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Spice Up the Mixture

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and mix thoroughly.

Pour in salsa and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Milk

Stir until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.

• Shredded cheddar
• Parmesan cheese

Mix until the cheeses blend into a luxurious coating.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently combine the cooked pasta with the cheesy meat sauce.

Toss until every strand is beautifully covered.

Let it heat through for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to dance together.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Dive into this ultimate comfort food that brings together the zesty kick of tacos and the creamy embrace of cheese pasta.

Smart Tips for Taco Cream Cheese Pasta

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Cut cream cheese into small cubes before adding to the skillet to help it melt faster and create a smoother sauce.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning and salsa to match your preferred spiciness.
• Cook the meat sauce and cheese mixture in advance, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta for a quick weeknight meal.
• Toast some breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips as a crunchy topping to add extra texture and flavor to the creamy pasta.

Keep Cheesy Taco Pasta Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Typically takes 1-2 minutes total.
• Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of milk or water to prevent sticking. Stir continuously until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Restores original creamy texture.
• Freeze in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces can separate slightly upon reheating.

Serving Cheesy Taco Pasta with the Right Sides

• Boost Flavor Pairing: Cool, creamy guacamole provides a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta, balancing the spicy taco notes perfectly.
• Wine Match: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity to cut through the heavy cream cheese and complement the bold taco seasoning.
• Crisp Side Kick: Serve crunchy tortilla chips alongside the pasta to add textural variety and enhance the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Refreshing Beverage: Grab an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona to wash down the hearty, spice-packed pasta dish with a light, crisp finish.

Twists to Try with Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta

• Vegetarian Taco Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use full-fat cream cheese and replace milk with heavy cream to maintain keto macros.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, increase jalapeno amount, or mix in chipotle peppers for an extra fiery kick. Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season it the same way as ground beef.

• How spicy will this pasta be?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. Use mild salsa and seasoning for less heat, or opt for spicy versions if you want more kick.

• Do I need to use both types of cheese?

While using cheddar and Parmesan creates a richer flavor, you can substitute with one type of cheese if that’s what you have available. Just ensure you have about the same total amount of cheese.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love cheesy pasta and mild taco flavors. You can further reduce spice by choosing mild seasonings and salsa to make it more child-friendly.

Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Mouthwatering cheesy taco cream cheese pasta blends Mexican-inspired flavors with creamy comfort food, creating a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Zesty spices and melted cheese promise a delicious meal that satisfies your craving for something extraordinary.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking into small crumbles. Cook until completely browned and no pink remains, roughly 5-6 minutes. Eliminate any excess grease.
4. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, ensuring thorough coverage. Pour salsa and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld intensely.
5. Reduce heat to low. Incorporate cream cheese and milk, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted.
6. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each noodle receives a luxurious coating. Warm through for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra flavor kick. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Pasta Selection Matters: Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini that hold sauce well and create perfect cheese-to-pasta coverage.
• Meat Customization: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options without compromising flavor.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Reduce heat when adding cream cheese to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust taco seasoning and salsa heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot versions to match personal preference and dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 605
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg