![- 8 oz. elbow macaroni - 1 lb. ground chicken (or turkey) - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these ingredients for your One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta. Each item plays a key role in creating a rich, cheesy flavor. The elbow macaroni gives the dish its base. Ground chicken or turkey adds protein and texture. Diced onion and red bell pepper bring sweetness and crunch. Minced garlic adds depth. The taco seasoning is a must for that classic taco flavor. Chicken broth keeps the pasta moist and flavorful. Diced tomatoes add acidity and balance. Corn gives a touch of sweetness. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey goodness. Sour cream adds creaminess and tang. Fresh cilantro makes for a perfect garnish. Make sure to season with salt and pepper to enhance all those flavors. These ingredients together make a simple yet satisfying meal. You can check the [Full Recipe] for more details on how to combine them! 1. Heat olive oil and sauté vegetables Start with a large skillet. Pour in a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. This step builds a solid base for your flavor. 2. Cook ground meat and add taco seasoning Next, stir in 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey. Cook it until fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the meat is ready, sprinkle the taco seasoning over it. Mix well and let it cook for a minute. This brings out the spices' full flavor. 3. Combine liquids and pasta Now, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and a 14 oz. can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Add 8 oz. of elbow macaroni to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep everything mixed. 1. Simmer and cook pasta As the pasta simmers, check it for doneness. You want it to be al dente. This means it should be tender but still firm. This texture adds a nice bite to the dish. 2. Stir in corn, cheese, and sour cream Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time for the fun part! Stir in 1 cup of corn, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of sour cream. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is creamy and well combined. Taste it and add salt and pepper to your liking. 3. Final touches and plating After mixing, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up. When ready, serve it hot. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. This One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta is not just easy to make; it’s also a family favorite. Want the full details? Check the Full Recipe for all the steps! - How to avoid sticky pasta To keep your pasta from sticking, use plenty of water. Add a bit of salt to the water before it boils. Stir the macaroni often while it cooks. This will help it stay separate and cook evenly. - Ensuring perfect seasoning Taste as you go! Start with the taco seasoning, but adjust to your liking. If you want more spice, add a pinch of cayenne. If it’s too salty, add a touch of sugar. Balance is key. - Making the dish creamy and cheesy For a richer sauce, add more sour cream and cheese. Stir them in when the pasta is hot. This helps everything melt together. You can also use cream cheese for an extra creamy texture. - Best sides to pair with the dish Serve this pasta with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. Both add a nice crunch and freshness. You could also serve it with tortilla chips for a fun twist. - Garnishes for added flavor Fresh cilantro works great on top. You can also add sliced jalapeños for heat. A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors too. - Creative serving ideas Try serving it in taco shells for a fun twist! You could also bake it in a casserole dish topped with more cheese. This gives a crunchy, golden layer that everyone loves. Check out the full recipe for more ideas! {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the proteins in this dish. Ground beef or turkey works great. If you're looking for plant-based options, try crumbled tofu or lentils. Both add great flavor and texture. Feel free to add more veggies too. Chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can boost nutrition. They blend well with the taco flavors. When it comes to cheese, you have choices. Pepper jack adds a nice kick. Monterey Jack or mozzarella can make it extra creamy. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. If you're avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer delicious options that cook just like regular pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal. For a vegan version, swap the meat for beans or lentils. Use plant-based cheese or skip it altogether. Instead of sour cream, try cashew cream or a dairy-free yogurt. Low-carb eaters can switch pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. It’s a tasty way to enjoy the dish without the carbs. You won't miss the pasta with all those taco flavors! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Store leftover One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. It lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. When you want to eat it again, just reheat it in the microwave. Stir it well to ensure even heating. You can also warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. You can freeze this dish for later use. Let it cool completely before packing it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, warm it slowly on the stovetop or microwave. The texture may change slightly, but it will still taste great! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will still be great! What can I use instead of chicken broth? If you don’t have chicken broth, use vegetable broth or water. You can also use beef broth for a different taste. Keep in mind that the flavor may change a bit, but it will still be tasty. Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and veggies in a pan first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add all other ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes it super easy! Can I add beans to the One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta? Absolutely! Beans add protein and fiber. You can use black beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans. Drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the skillet. They mix well with the flavors and make the dish heartier. How do I make it spicier? To spice things up, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy taco seasoning instead of regular. Adjust the heat to your liking, and enjoy the kick! What’s the best way to serve this dish for a party? For a party, serve the One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta in a large bowl. Offer toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro on the side. This way, guests can customize their plates. You can also pair it with tortilla chips for a fun crunch! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips. We also explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. Enjoy your cooking adventure! This dish is simple and delicious, perfect for any meal. With a few swaps or tweaks, you can make it your own. Cooking should be fun, and this recipe makes that easy!](https://emmasdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/e0cf94d9-3f41-4158-9bf1-8e9db5754ca4-250x250.webp)
One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta
Craving a quick and delicious dinner? Try this One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta that combines rich flavors in just 30 minutes! With ground chicken, zesty taco seasoning, and creamy cheddar cheese all cooked in one skillet, it’s a simple meal your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is both tasty and easy to make.