Whenever Iโm suffering from that acute strain of tiredness that leads me to believe that anything short of giving up coffee is more attainable than marching myself into the kitchen and cooking dinner, I make tacos or pasta. Why it took me so long to arrive at Taco Pastaโa creamy, cheesy, and nutritious mashup that combines the best of the twoโI canโt say for certain, but I’m happy to be making up for lost time, especially since this healthy pasta recipe cooks in ONE PAN.
What I can say: a future sleep-deprived (or time-crunched or just plain hangry) me is certainly glad I now have this Taco Pasta recipe page to reference.
A cheesy blend of twirly pasta noodles, ground chicken, fresh veggies, and other taco-centric ingredients like spices, salsa, and black beans, this entire dinner cooks in the same skillet, including the noodles.
- Like pasta, it comes together quickly. Hustle and this recipe is ready in 30 minutes. It also reheats beautifully, meaning you can cook it tonight and enjoy the leftovers later in the week.
- Like tacos, itโs enduringly appealing and tailor-made for dolling up with all of your favorite fixings, like avocados, cilantro, and sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt, our preferred healthy swap).
- Like tacos AND pasta, itโs an easy meal that is met with 100% enthusiasm and 0% complaints.
Want to cook something easy, quick, and delicious that will earn the approval of every member of your household? This million dollar cheesy Taco Pasta is the recipe for you!
Taco PastaโA Healthy One Pan Recipe for the (5) Stars
If you didnโt previously believe that tacos and pasta were meant to be together, Iโm going to implore you to leave your skepticism aside.
In making what must be one of the most lowbrow renditions of fusion food ever created, I landed on a five-star home-cooked meal.
I would bet my last box of penne that this Taco Pasta wonโt appear on an actual five-star menu anytime soon, but that doesn’t bother me a bit. It earned full marks from both the front and back of the house around here.
The front of the house diners (Ben and me) love this recipe. Iโve made it several times and appreciate how comforting, filling, and nutritious it is.
- The noodles are al dente, and the protein-rich black beans and chicken (my choice for the recipe, though you can certainly make this a beef taco pasta if you like) will leave you full and happy.
- The fresh vegetables and whole grains will leave you feeling good for treating yourself to a wholesome meal.
- Last, the addition of Mexican spices, tomatoes, and salsa makes this Taco Pasta taste well-rounded and intentional, not like a dinner cooked in a moment of tired desperation (even though that’s what it’s here for if you need it to be).
The back of the house (meaning the cooks and dishwashers) approve of this recipe too. Itโs light on prep and leaves little dishwashing in its wake.
Recipe Adaptations
We love the recipe as written, but if youโd like to change it up, here are a few tips.
- Dairy Free Taco Pasta. Omit the cheese. To make sure the pasta is still creamy and satisfying without it, top the pasta with a generous serving of avocado or prepared guacamole.
- Beef Taco Pasta. Swap the ground chicken (or ground turkey) for lean ground beef.
- Vegetarian Taco Pasta. Omit the meat. Add one additional can of black beans, or try adding pinto beans for variety.
- Taco Pasta Penna. I used twirly pasta (rotini) for the recipe, but any โshortโ pasta will work well. Shells or rigatoni would work well too. To make the recipe more healthy, I recommend whole wheat pasta, as it is higher in protein and nutrients than regular white pasta.
- Extra Spicy Taco Pasta. Use a hot salsa. Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne with the other spices.
- More Mild Taco Pasta. As written, this recipe is not particularly spicy, but if you are nervous, be sure to use a mild salsa. You can also scale back on the cumin and chili powder.
More One Pan Recipes Like Taco Pasta
What is your go-to meal on busy nights? Might it be this healthy Taco Pasta next time (or maybe this Chipotle Bowl)? If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken or ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 3/4 cups water plus more as needed
- 1 cup prepared salsa medium or mild
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked whole wheat pasta such as rotini, fusilli, penne, or shells
- 1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided (use pepper jack for a kick!)
For serving:
- Sliced avocado
- Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Jalapeรฑo
- Any taco topping you love
Instructions
- In large, deep skillet with a lid (or a dutch oven), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not yet smoking, add the ground chicken, onion, and red and green bell peppers. Brown the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully cooked through and the onions are translucent, about 8 minutes.
- Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook just until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the water, salsa, tomato sauce, pasta, and beans.
- Reduce the heat to medium low, then cover the pan. Let simmer gently, stirring occasionally, just until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (more liquid will absorb as it cools), about 12 to 15 minutes. As you stir the pasta while it cooks, check to make sure it's not becoming dry. If it is, stir in water as needed to keep it moist and simmering.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in half of the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Serve hot with any of your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
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So yummy! I used Creole seasoning instead of chili powder because my boys don’t like chili powder. I also left out the salt because Creole seasoning has plenty. This will definitely become a regular for us. The flavor was so good! I’m cautious with while wheat pasta, but in this I couldn’t even tell they were whole grain! When I make it again, I might add a little more pasta because it was a little more soupy than I expected.
I’m so happy that it was a hit, Jess! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
this is by far the easiest to make and best tasting taco pasta i have ever eaten. thankyou for your amazing recipe. followed everything. but left out the black beans. yum yum yum
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Delicious and so easy to prepare
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Barbara! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Hi Erin :) By tomato sauce do you mean tomato sauce like ketchup or tomato paste like you put on pizza bases ? Thanks
Hi Petra! You’ll want to use a can of tomato sauce, which is different from ketchup and tomato paste. It should be a cooked puree of tomatoes. I hope this helps!
Thanks for your reply :) I ended up coming to the conclusion that it was what we Aussies call pasta sauce in a glass jar :)ย
It was super yum !!!! Of course me ย being me had sour cream and avocado ? on top ?
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Petra! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Absolutely delicious! My husband could not get over how delicious it was. As soon as he walked in the door after work he was thrilled by all the amazing smells. ย This is a perfect after work quick dinner that does not disappoint. Highly recommend, we enjoy it with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt on top. Thank you for the great recipe ?
I’m so happy that it was a hit, Carissa! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
My entire family loved this meal. The kids even asked for seconds!
I am so so pleased to hear it Kristi! Thanks for sharing this lovely review!
This recipe is the BOMB!! And only one dirty pan! I’m in love. โค?
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Shelbe! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This was wonderful! It was quick, easy, and a cinch to clean up. What I really loved about it is that this recipe is easily modified based on the individual’s taste. We used a combination of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses to give it a little kick! My partner enjoyed it, as did my 3 year old! Definitely a keeper recipe.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Klaire! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Just made this for our Sunday night meal and it will be enjoyed again many times here! I used extra lean ground turkey breast and added a cup of frozen corn to the mix. Delicious, healthy and perfect for a busy night. Thank you for this winner!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Kathy! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Have you tried freezing this after it was prepared for meal prep? I made a double batch and am wondering if it will freeze well.
Hi Erin! First you want to make sure there are no extra toppings, like Greek yogurt, avocado etc. To freeze you would place in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Hope this helps!
Bravo for the taco pasta recipe! This was outstanding, followed the recipe exactly as written. Flavors were amazing. My 17 year old son came home with two friends and they each had two bowls and finished it off which makes me so happy. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I am looking forward to trying more meals from your web page. Any recommendations on what I should make next?
Hi Kate! So glad you enjoyed the pasta! Thank you for this kind review! On my homepage (https://www.wellplated.com/) you will find a trending now section. Obviously I love all of my recipes but these are some of the reader favorites that are happening right now that I’m sure you would enjoy! Hope this helps!
I’m trying to use up leftover stuff I have in my house. I don’t have the usual red salsa, but I do have a mild Verde salsa. Do you think it would be an OK substitute for the red? I’m questioning it.
Hi K! I’ve not tried it myself but it could possibly work. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!