Description
A quick and easy one-pot dinner that combines the flavors of tacos with creamy pasta, ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon. Brown for 5-7 minutes until crispy, then drain excess grease.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning to the meat. Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce, stirring to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Add uncooked pasta, black beans, and frozen corn. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender but al dente.
- Remove pot from heat. Stir in heavy cream (or half-and-half) and half of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Top with remaining cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado, or sour cream. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the creamy sauce. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use vegetable broth with extra beans or lentils. This recipe does not freeze well as the pasta becomes mushy and dairy sauce may separate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
Keywords: one-pot taco pasta, easy dinner, 30 minute meals, weeknight dinner, comfort food, taco pasta, creamy pasta