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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, ensuring thorough coverage. Pour salsa and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld intensely.
- 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.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each noodle receives a luxurious coating. Warm through for an additional 2 minutes.
- 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