Taco Pasta

🥄 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 ounces medium pasta shells ((about 3-4 cups dry))
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions ((about 1 small onion))
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic ((about 1 clove))
• 1 pound ground turkey ((or chicken or beef))
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes, (drained)
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 ounces light cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• salt and black pepper, (to taste)
• chopped cilantro and tomatoes, (for topping)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   In a small bowl, add all the ingredients for the taco seasoning. Mix to combine and set aside. (Alternatively, you can substitute the homemade mix with 1 packet of store-bought taco seasoning if you prefer.)

2. 2

   Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. 3

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and onions and cook for about 5 minutes until onions have softened and are translucent.

4. 4

   Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. 5

   Add ground meat, break up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

6. 6

   Add diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Stir to combine and simmer for 3 minutes.

7. 7

   Add water and cream cheese. Stir together until the cream cheese has fully melted to create a sauce. 

8. 8

   Add cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss to combine until the cheese has fully melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper as necessary. Top with chopped cilantro before serving.

📊 Nutrition (per serving)

Nutritional values are estimates from the original source.