Name: Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup milk; 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice); 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix; 1/2 cup salsa; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro; Sliced jalapenos

Introduction

This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines rich, creamy cheese sauce with zesty taco-seasoned ground beef. Perfect for a family dinner or when you want something quick yet indulgent, this recipe brings together the best of Tex-Mex and Italian-inspired pasta.

The image shows a round white bowl filled with baked pasta topped with melted golden cheese and small browned meat pieces scattered across the top layer. The pasta beneath is creamy and light yellow with visible pasta shapes, and the cheese layer appears bubbly and slightly crispy at the edges. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded white cloth and a fork to the side. In the background, a white oval plate contains a single bread roll, and there are blurred greenery and a white small container nearby. A woman's hand is near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

1 cup milk

Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Sliced jalapenos (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 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 set aside.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until fully browned with no pink remaining, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 4: Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the meat. Pour in salsa and simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Lower the heat to low. Stir in cream cheese and milk, mixing continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted.

Step 6: Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, coating each piece thoroughly. Warm through for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapenos if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option without sacrificing flavor.

Add black beans or corn for extra texture and heartiness.

Use a spicy salsa or add red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and double the cheese and salsa quantities, or use plant-based crumbles.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne and rotini work well because their shapes hold sauce nicely, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While possible to freeze, the creamy texture may change after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this pasta fresh or refrigerate and consume within a few days for optimal taste and texture.