Name: Taco Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.5 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion (chopped); 1 lb lean ground turkey or ground beef; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 8 oz tomato sauce; 0.25 cup water; 1 tbsp ground chili powder; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 4 oz mild green chiles; 10 oz medium pasta shells; 1.5 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese; toppings: extra cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, sliced black olives, cilantro, pico de gallo or salsa, avocado, jalapeño slices

This Taco Pasta recipe combines bold taco flavors with cheesy pasta shells in just 25 minutes. A perfect easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Make

Why This Taco Pasta Is the Best of Both Worlds

Taco Pasta brings together two of our favorite dinners in one skillet. You get the bold, smoky flavors of taco night mixed with the comfort of cheesy pasta. It takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, so it’s a great choice for busy weeknights. We use ground turkey or beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to build the sauce. Then we stir in pasta shells and plenty of cheese. Set out your favorite toppings and let everyone build their own bowl.

Reasons You’ll Love This Easy Weeknight Dinner

Two meals in one: taco flavors meet cheesy pasta for a fun twist.
Ready in 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable with your favorite taco toppings.

Key Ingredients for Taco Pasta

Ground turkey or ground beef: Lean ground turkey keeps the dish lighter, but ground beef adds more richness. Either works well. Look for 93% lean turkey or 85% lean beef.
Mexican blend cheese: This pre-shredded mix usually includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sometimes asadero. It melts smoothly. You can substitute shredded cheddar if you prefer.
Mild green chiles: Canned diced green chiles add a gentle heat and tangy flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you want more kick, use hot green chiles instead.

Kitchen Tools for Taco Pasta

Large skillet (12-inch) for browning the meat and simmering the sauce
Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander for draining pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula for breaking up the meat

Tips for Making the Best Taco Pasta

Brown the ground meat well over medium-high heat. That browning adds depth to the sauce. Once you add the tomato sauce and spices, let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. Cook the pasta just until al dente so it holds up when stirred into the sauce. When you add the cheese, remove the skillet from the heat first. Stir gently until melted to avoid clumping.

Taco Pasta Variations to Try

To make this vegetarian, skip the meat and stir in a can of drained black beans along with the green chiles. You can also add diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra vegetables. If you prefer a different pasta shape, penne, rotini, or farfalle all work well. For a spicier version, use hot green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne with the other spices. And if you have our homemade taco seasoning on hand, use 3 tablespoons in place of the individual spices.

What to Serve with Taco Pasta

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but a few toppings make it even better. Set out sour cream, sliced green onions, black olives, cilantro, pico de gallo or salsa, avocado, and jalapeño slices so everyone can customize their bowl. If you want a side, a simple green salad or roasted broccoli pairs nicely without stealing the spotlight.

How to Store Leftover Taco Pasta

Store leftover taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even better the next day.

Can You Freeze Taco Pasta?

This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Best Ways to Reheat Taco Pasta

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Taco Pasta FAQs

Can I make this taco pasta vegetarian?

Yes. Omit the meat and add a can of drained black beans along with the green chiles. You can also stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra vegetables.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Shells are our go-to, but penne, rotini, farfalle, rigatoni, and orecchiette all work well. Cook according to package directions until al dente.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook it according to the package directions and drain well before adding to the sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftover taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld and taste even better the next day.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of the individual spices?

Yes. Substitute 3 tablespoons of our homemade taco seasoning for the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano listed in the recipe.