![- 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnishing - Sour cream, for topping (optional) When I make Cheesy Taco Pasta, I love how simple the ingredients are. You only need a few items to create a dish that feels special. The rotini pasta serves as a fun base, and it holds sauces well. Ground turkey or beef brings protein and flavor. I like using ground turkey for a leaner option. Onions and garlic add depth. They make your kitchen smell amazing as they cook. The taco seasoning gives this dish its signature flavor. I use a packet, but you can mix your own if you prefer. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and adds more taste. The cheeses are the stars of the dish. Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt together to create a creamy texture. Corn adds sweetness and color. You can use fresh corn or frozen. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance the flavors. Fresh cilantro gives a nice touch when serving. If you like a creamy finish, add sour cream on top. Trust me, these ingredients combine into a delicious meal the whole family will love. For the full recipe, check out the recipe card above. - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Add 8 oz of rotini pasta. - Cook until al dente, following package instructions. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 lb ground turkey or beef. - Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. - This should take about 5-7 minutes. - Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish. - Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. - Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften. - Sprinkle in 1 packet of taco seasoning. - Stir and let it cook for an additional minute. - Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of chicken broth. - Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. - Incorporate 1 cup of corn and the cooked rotini pasta. - Stir well for about 2-3 minutes, mixing all ingredients. - Reduce heat to low, and add 1 cup each of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. - Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta is creamy. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. This easy dish is sure to become a family favorite, and you can find the Full Recipe linked for more details. To make the best cheesy taco pasta, cook the rotini just right. Avoid overcooking it. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce. When draining your pasta, use a colander. Let it sit for a moment to drain out all the water. If you have excess fat from the meat, drain it carefully. You want to keep the flavors strong but not greasy. The right heat makes all the difference for melting cheese. Use low heat to ensure a creamy texture. If you cook on high heat, you risk clumping or burning the cheese. For the best flavor, mix different cheeses. I love using cheddar and Monterey Jack together. They melt well and give a rich taste. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of mozzarella for a milder flavor. Don't be shy with spices! Add cumin or chili powder for extra depth. Fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten the dish. You can also sprinkle some paprika for a smoky touch. For garnishing, consider adding a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Sliced jalapeños give a nice heat and crunch. You can even top with crushed tortilla chips for a fun texture. These simple additions can take your cheesy taco pasta to the next level! {{image_2}} You can switch ground turkey for ground beef easily. Ground turkey is leaner and lighter. If you prefer beef, it adds rich flavor. Both options work well in Cheesy Taco Pasta. For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat completely. Use black beans or lentils instead. They add protein and texture. You can even mix in some crumbled tofu for extra protein. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great, but you can try other cheeses too. Cream cheese can make your dish extra creamy. You can also use pepper jack for a spicy kick. For those who are dairy-free, there are options. Look for plant-based cheeses made from nuts or soy. They melt well and taste great. Nutritional yeast is another option; it adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Feel free to swap out vegetables for more flavor. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can brighten your dish. They add nutrition and taste. You can even use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience. Changing the pasta shape is a fun way to mix things up. Fusilli or penne can work just as well as rotini. Each shape holds sauce differently, giving you a new experience. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta too. Check out the [Full Recipe] for more details on making this dish! Store any leftover Cheesy Taco Pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before you seal it up. This helps avoid any moisture build-up. You can reheat Cheesy Taco Pasta in several ways. The microwave is quick and easy. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This prevents hot spots. Another way is to use a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth and heat on low. This keeps the pasta creamy and flavorful. Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Taco Pasta. It’s great for meal prep! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label your bags with the date. It can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned for the best taste. To make Cheesy Taco Pasta gluten-free, swap the rotini pasta for gluten-free pasta. Check labels for gluten-free taco seasoning too. Most meats and veggies are already gluten-free. This way, you keep all the great taste without the gluten. Yes, you can use different cheeses! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Gouda adds a smoky flavor while cream cheese makes it extra creamy. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. Cheese is fun to experiment with! You can add many toppings to your Cheesy Taco Pasta. Chopped green onions add a fresh bite. Jalapeños give heat, while avocado adds creaminess. You can also use crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Let your taste buds guide you! Cheesy Taco Pasta takes about 30 minutes to cook. This includes prep time and cooking time. It's a quick meal for busy weeknights. You can have dinner ready in no time! You can prepare Cheesy Taco Pasta in advance! Cook it, cool it, and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave. Enjoy a hassle-free meal later! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Making Cheesy Taco Pasta is easy and fun. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to customize your dish and store leftovers. With simple swaps, you can make it your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. This dish is great for family meals or quick dinners. Trust that you can create a delicious meal with just a few steps. Happy cooking!](https://quickdishup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/d6f20538-b819-452b-9e71-f49898b32023-300x300.webp)
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Try this Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe that's packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes! Made with rotini pasta, ground turkey or beef, and loaded with cheesy goodness, it's a family-favorite meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines pasta with taco flair for a unique twist. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your dinner table tonight!