Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese

Name: Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 Box of 16 oz Shell Pasta Noodles; 1 lb Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey – 80/20 or above preferred; 1 envelope low sodium taco seasoning; 1 cup water; 1/2 block cream cheese (4 oz.) – I use 1/3 fat version; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mexican Blend, or Monterey Jack)

Published OnApril 4, 2016August 7, 2024 Updated onAugust 7, 2024

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Looking for a simple and delicious pasta recipe the whole family will love? My Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese is easy and delicious! This creamy taco pasta skillet recipe is made with beef, cheese, pasta shells, and taco seasoning and takes just 20 minutes to make.

Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese

As a busy mom, I love making meals during the week that are delicious, flavorful, and most of all EASY to make.

This Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese is easily one of our family’s favorite and most requested pasta dishes, and is sure to fulfill your taco cravings!

This cheesy taco pasta recipe combines the wholesomeness of pasta with all the delicious flavors of cheesy, beef tacos and will be enjoyed by even the pickiest eaters out there.

This creamy taco pasta is made with light cream cheese and makes for a healthy balanced meal when paired with a fresh salad and corn.

Even better, you can have this creamy, cheesy taco pasta on your table in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect pasta recipe for busy weeknights.

Head over here to watch my video recipe tutorial, and don’t forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel here for weekly recipes!

Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

Cheesy Taco Pasta is always frequently requested in our household of taco and pasta lovers.

I love it because it’s delicious, but also because it can be made in just 20 minutes time and with just 6 ingredients!

What is Cheesy Taco Pasta?

Cheesy Taco Pasta is made with cooked pasta shells and a creamy, cheesy taco sauce.

It’s a delicious and simple dinner choice for Taco Tuesday or any time you’re craving Mexican flavors.

What ingredients are in Cheesy Taco Pasta?

Pasta Shells– I typically use small or medium shells, but see other options above
Lean Ground Beef – I recommend using 80/20 or above and typically use 85/15
Taco Seasoning – You’ll need one packet of your favorite seasoning or feel free to make your own homemade taco seasoning.
Shredded Cheese – I recommend using Cheddar, Monterey jack, or Mexican blend
Cream Cheese – This key ingredient makes this taco pasta so creamy and delicious! I use 1/3 fat to keep it lighter, but you can use full-fat, if desired.
Water

Cheesy Taco Pasta Substitutes

This cheesy taco pasta is great because you can easily swap out ingredients to change up the flavors.

Below I’ve included some yummy substitutes and add-ins that will spice up the flavor in this taco pasta even more.

Meat Substitutes

Don’t have any ground beef? Try these delicious options instead:

Pasta Substitutes

Elbow Macaroni
Rotini
Spaghetti – Try my One Pot Taco Spaghetti!

Delicious Taco Pasta Add-In Ideas

Want to amp up the flavor and nutrition in this cheesy taco pasta? Try adding in these:

Topping Ideas

Our family loves topping our cheesy taco pasta with these delicious toppings:

>>Want more Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes? Check out 100 30-Minute Dinner Recipes Here <<

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet (Step by Step Instructions)

This delicious, cheesy taco pasta couldn’t be any easier to make and it’s so perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time!

Below I’ve included a list of all the ingredients and kitchen tools you’ll need to make it!

Taco Pasta Ingredients:

Pasta Shells– I typically use small or medium shells, but see other options above
Lean Ground Beef – I recommend using 80/20 or above and typically use 85/15
Taco Seasoning – You’ll need one packet of your favorite seasoning or feel free to make your own homemade taco seasoning.
Shredded Cheese – I recommend using Cheddar, Monterey jack, or Mexican blend
Cream Cheese – This key ingredient makes this taco pasta so creamy and delicious! I use 1/3 fat to keep it lighter, but you can use full-fat, if desired.
Water

Recommended Kitchen Tools:

Step 1: Boil Your Pasta + Cook Your Hamburger Meat

First, begin boiling water for your pasta shells and brown your ground beef or ground turkey in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain well.

Next, add your meat back into the pan and add in taco seasoning and water.

Stir well and let simmer on medium heat until liquid has reduced. (About 5 minutes total)

Step 2: Add Your Cream Cheese

Cut ½ block of softened cream cheese into small squares and add into the ground beef taco mixture.

Increase heat to medium/high and begin stirring in the cream cheese until evenly incorporated and the sauce is nice and creamy.

Step 3: Cook Noodles, Mix, and Add Cheese

Remove ground beef and cheese mixture from heat and set aside.

Cook your pasta shells until al dente and drain. Add noodles to beef and cream cheese taco mixture and mix well.

Immediately stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and mix until evenly combined.

Pour into an oven-safe baking dish and top with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

I absolutely love these gorgeous ceramic baking dishes for casseroles and pasta dishes, and they’re dishwasher safe. (Plus they look really pretty for serving!)

Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe FAQ’s and Tips

What’s the best pasta shell for taco pasta?

I prefer using shell noodles (small or medium), since it soaks up all the beef/cheese sauce, but you can also use macaroni noodles, rotini noodles, or any corkscrew type noodle.

Have spaghetti noodles? Try my One Pot Taco Spaghetti for a delicious variation.

What type of cream cheese is best for taco pasta with cream cheese?

I personally like using 1/3 reduced fat cream cheese for a nice in-between balance of creaminess, but you can use fat-free or full-fat cream cheese if you prefer.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of store-bought seasoning?

Yes! You can use any taco seasoning you like including homemade.

If you use a homemade taco seasoning you will need 2 tablespoons to equal 1 packet.

Can I use leftover taco meat for cheesy taco pasta?

Yes! Leftover taco meat is great for this pasta and makes it even quicker to prepare!

For more easy ideas, check out 36 Leftover Taco Meat Recipes.

Can I freeze cheesy taco pasta?

Yes, this pasta does freeze up nicely. See my freezer instructions below.

How to Store Leftover Cheesy Taco Pasta

Refrigerator – Cool completely and store any leftover cheesy taco pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds or until warm.

Freezer – Store in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months.

Once ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and re-heat individual servings in microwave for 30 second intervals or until warm.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Video Tutorial & Recipe