If you’re craving a dish that perfectly combines comfort food vibes with a punch of zesty taco flavor, you have to try this Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with taco seasoning, melted cream cheese, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. With savory browned ground beef, a touch of tomato and green chilies from Rotel, and a fresh sprinkle of cilantro, this recipe effortlessly brings Mexican-American flavors to your dinner table in a way that’s both indulgent and incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those meals you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the secret to this delightful Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe. Each item plays an essential role, from the hearty beef and pasta that add substance to the creamy cheeses and spices that provide depth in every bite. These accessible staples come together quickly, making it a go-to recipe when you’re short on time but craving big flavor.

Ground beef: Provides a savory base and pairs beautifully with bold taco spices.
Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and onion, adding a subtle richness.
Diced onion: Adds sweetness and texture, balancing the robust flavors.
Minced garlic: Brings aromatic depth to the dish’s flavor profile.
Taco seasoning: Infuses everything with classic southwest spices and heat.
Tomato sauce: Brings tang and moisture to the cheesy sauce.
Beef broth: Enhances the sauce’s savory seasoning and keeps it luscious.
Cream cheese: The star ingredient for creaminess and smooth texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty cheese flavor to the sauce.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Complements the cheddar with its mild creaminess.
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Provides a burst of color, spice, and freshness.
Short pasta (rotini or penne): Offers great bite and holds the sauce wonderfully.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and bring all elements into harmony.
Chopped fresh cilantro: A bright, herby finish that lifts every forkful.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking your chosen short pasta, such as rotini or penne, according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite, perfect for soaking up that rich, cheesy sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the savory beef mixture.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink, and the onion has softened to bring out its natural sweetness. This step builds the hearty base of flavors. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.

Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Liquids

Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, followed by the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This allows the flavors to meld and creates the perfect environment for the creamy ingredients to shine.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Cheeses

Now, add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until it melts into a velvety smooth sauce. Once the cream cheese has fully combined, mix in the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Watch as the sauce becomes beautifully creamy and cheesy, coating every bite with rich flavor.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Season

Finally, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in that luscious cheesy taco sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the pasta to rest for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the sauce and let all those delicious flavors really settle before serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes add the perfect finishing touch to this Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe. Chopped cilantro sprinkled on top offers a burst of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce. For an extra pop of texture and color, consider adding sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream.

Side Dishes

This rich and flavorful pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad with a light citrus dressing can balance the richness nicely. You might also serve it alongside Mexican street corn or garlic bread to round out the meal with complementary textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in small individual cast iron skillets or colorful bowls to make it feel extra special. You can also top each serving with crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch that echoes the taco inspiration perfectly. Adding a few slices of avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce lets diners personalize their plates with layers of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from drying out, stir in a splash of beef broth or milk before reheating to maintain that creamy consistency.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a little milk, broth, or even a small pat of butter to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating. Stir frequently to heat evenly and revive the dish’s luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean alternative that works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying it out since turkey cooks faster than beef.

Is cream cheese necessary for the sauce?

Cream cheese plays a crucial role in creating the silky, creamy texture and mild tang that balances the spicy taco seasoning. While you might experiment with alternatives, cream cheese is the best option for that signature creamy comfort.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or use black beans and corn for a vegetarian-friendly version. Adjust the seasoning and broth as needed to keep the flavors bright and satisfying.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or rigatoni are ideal because their twists and tubes capture and hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly. Avoid thin strands like angel hair as they won’t hold the sauce as well.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has a nice mild-to-medium spice level, thanks to the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning or by adding extra chili flakes or hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy, cheesy meal that combines the flavors of tacos and pasta in such a fun and comforting way. I encourage you to give this Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe a try — it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your household. From its simple ingredients to the incredible flavor, this dish is your new weeknight hero for delicious, fuss-free dinners that everyone will ask for again and again.

Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 49 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a flavorful and comforting skillet dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and zesty taco flavors with tender pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Seasonings and Sauces

1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Cheese and Pasta

4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
12 oz short pasta (rotini or penne)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown Beef and Sauté Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in taco seasoning, then add tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Melt Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add Tomatoes and Cheeses: Stir in the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy taco sauce.
Season and Rest: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the pasta rest in the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving for a fresh finish.