Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
If you love bold, comforting flavors and creamy pasta dishes, you’re in for a treat with Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta! This dish is the perfect marriage of classic taco night and indulgent pasta, featuring a silky cheese sauce, savory taco-seasoned beef, plenty of shredded cheddar, and a little spicy kick from diced tomatoes with green chilies. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the dinner table smile—just the right balance of zesty, cheesy, and hearty. Ready to fall in love with a new weeknight favorite?
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple yet crucial these ingredients are for achieving that irresistibly rich, cheesy texture and vibrant taco flavor. Each one plays a starring role in making Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta absolutely crave-worthy.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Brings a savory, meaty base that soaks up all those wonderful taco spices.
- Taco seasoning (1 package): Infuses the beef with that signature bold, smoky, and spicy flavor we all love.
- Pasta shells or elbow macaroni (1 lb): Perfect shapes for holding onto every drop of creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps create that luscious sauce foundation.
- Milk (1 cup): Keeps the sauce smooth and perfectly pourable.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Creates an ultra-creamy, slightly tangy base for the cheese sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into the sauce, giving both color and a deep, sharp cheddar flavor.
- Can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (10 oz): Brings brightness, heat, and a juicy bite to balance all the creamy richness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Optional garnishes (chopped cilantro, diced green onions, sour cream): Give the final dish freshness, zing, and a cool finish.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start out by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta shells or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain well—there’s nothing sadder than watery pasta in a creamy sauce!—and set aside while you get the rest ready.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then crumble in your ground beef. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it browns so you have delicious little crumbles in every bite. Drain off any excess fat, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and a splash of water if needed. Stir it all together to make sure every bit of beef is packed with flavor, and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Using the same big pot you cooked your pasta in, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the milk, then drop in your softened cream cheese. Stir patiently and watch as it melts down into a thick, velvety sauce that’s just begging for more cheese.
Step 4: Add Cheddar Cheese
Now it’s time for the good stuff! Gradually stir in your shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt in stages. You’ll end up with a gloriously smooth and rich cheese sauce, flecked with golden cheddar and bursting with irresistible creaminess.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta, seasoned beef, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies straight into your cheese sauce. Mix everything until each pasta shell is perfectly coated with cheesy, taco-inspired goodness. You’ll smell the meld of creamy, tangy, and spiced aromas—it’s basically the best part of taco night and pasta night all in one.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Give the whole thing a taste and season it up with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. Let your Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta simmer gently for two to three minutes; this helps all the flavors deepen and gives the sauce just the right consistency. Stir occasionally to keep things silky smooth.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Spoon your masterpiece into bowls while it’s piping hot! Add your favorite garnishes—think chopped cilantro for a fresh pop, green onions for crunch, or a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the heat. Each bowl is a fiesta of flavor and color.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of toppings with Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta! A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions adds color and freshness, while sour cream offers a creamy, cooling contrast to the dish’s subtle heat. Feel free to add avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, or even extra cheddar if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a hearty, one-pan wonder, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or even warm tortilla chips on the side. If you want to boost the Mexican-inspired flair, some street corn or a refreshing cucumber salad works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Make weeknight dinners more exciting by serving Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta in mini bowls for a party or use it as a filling for baked bell peppers. Try scooping it into taco shells for a unique pasta taco creation, or serve family-style in a big colorful dish for everyone to dig in. It’s also fun to top with crushed tortilla chips for some extra crunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta left (honestly, that’s a big if!), transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days and tastes just as dreamy on day two.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring the creamy sauce back to life. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to get it evenly warm and oozy again. Either way, it’ll taste like fresh-made comfort food all over again.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of milk to revive that creamy sauce.
What other proteins can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even meatless crumbles all work wonderfully in this recipe. Each one soaks up the taco seasoning and pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta has a mild to moderate kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies, but it’s very family-friendly. If you love more heat, add extra chilies or a pinch of cayenne; for less, use mild tomatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses regular pasta, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta shells or macaroni. Double-check your taco seasoning as well to make sure it’s certified gluten-free.
Can I add veggies to the pasta?
Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, or black beans are all delicious additions that blend seamlessly into the cheesy, taco-inspired sauce, adding color and nutrition without changing the easy, comforting spirit of the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is so much more than a weeknight dinner—it’s comfort in a bowl, and every bite is packed with creamy, zesty, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to something special, give this dish a try and watch it become a fast favorite at your table!
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Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta, a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors. Creamy cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef, and zesty tomatoes come together to create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
Taco Seasoning:
- 1 package taco seasoning
Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta shells or elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, diced green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a pot, whisk in milk, and add cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add pasta, seasoned beef, and tomatoes to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Season and Simmer: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, and sour cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Taco pasta, Creamy pasta, Cheese sauce, Mexican-Italian fusion
