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- Penne pasta and meat options - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - Vegetables and aromatics - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Seasoning and broth - 1 packet taco seasoning (approx. 1 ounce) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup corn (frozen, or canned and drained) - Toppings and garnishes - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper, to taste This dish shines with its fresh and tasty ingredients. The penne pasta is a great base, soaking up all the flavors. Ground turkey or beef adds protein and richness. You can use either one based on your preference. The onion and garlic bring a wonderful aroma and taste. The taco seasoning packs a punch, giving each bite a familiar flavor. Diced tomatoes and black beans add heartiness and color, while corn brings a sweet crunch. For the toppings, I love adding cheddar cheese for a melty touch and sour cream for creaminess. Fresh cilantro gives a pop of color and freshness. Salt and pepper help balance all the flavors. Check out the Full Recipe for complete cooking instructions. This meal is quick, tasty, and perfect for any night! Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it for 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. Then, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it smells great. Now, add your ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook the meat for 5-7 minutes. Stir it often. You need it to brown evenly and lose any pink color. If there’s extra fat, drain it away. Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Stir it well with the meat. Then, add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken or vegetable broth. Keep stirring and raise the heat until it begins to boil gently. Once you see bubbles, it’s time to add the penne pasta. Stir everything together. Cover the skillet and turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir it from time to time. The pasta should be just right and most of the liquid should be absorbed. After the pasta is cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Gently mix in the cheddar cheese and sour cream. This will make your dish creamy and cheesy. You can add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, before you serve, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. It adds a nice touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet with a side of tortilla chips for extra crunch. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To cook perfect pasta, always use plenty of water. This keeps the pasta from sticking. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Bring the water to a boil before adding the penne. Cook the penne until it is al dente, firm but not hard. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. You can boost the flavor of your dish in simple ways. Try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a kick. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish. You can also mix in some taco sauce for extra zest. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add freshness. Don’t forget to top it with more cheddar cheese for that gooey goodness! If your pasta is too sticky, you likely didn't use enough water or salt. Stir the pasta while it cooks to prevent sticking. If it’s bland, try adding more taco seasoning or salt. For a runny sauce, simmer it longer to thicken. If you want a creamier texture, stir in more sour cream or cheese. You can find the full recipe for this dish and more tips to make your cooking easier. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply swap out the meat for a plant-based option. Use 1 pound of lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or crumbled tofu. These options soak up flavors well and add protein. Keep the rest of the recipe the same. Add more veggies for a colorful twist, like bell peppers or zucchini. If you like heat, kick up the spice level. Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the meat. You can also use spicy taco seasoning instead of regular. For an extra kick, try adding a splash of hot sauce just before serving. This gives the dish a fun, zesty flavor. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients. If you don’t have black beans, try pinto or kidney beans instead. You can swap the corn for diced bell peppers or peas. For the cheese, any melting cheese works great. You can use pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a milder taste. Remember, you can find the Full Recipe to guide you through these swaps! To keep your Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture build-up. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out the pasta. Heat on low until warmed through. If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. You can also freeze this meal if you want to save it for later. Transfer the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it well and label it with the date. It will keep well for about 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Shells, rotini, or even spaghetti work well. Just adjust the cooking time if needed. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. You want it al dente, not mushy. To add heat, use spicy taco seasoning. You can also add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. If you like, serve with hot sauce on the side. This way, everyone can add their desired spice. For a meatless option, use lentils or black beans. You could also try crumbled tofu or tempeh. These swaps keep the dish hearty and tasty. If you prefer meat, chicken or pork works too. Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Cook the pasta and mix all other ingredients. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove. Add a splash of broth for moisture. Great sides include a fresh salad or tortilla chips with salsa. You could also serve it with guacamole or sour cream. These sides add flavor and texture to your meal. Enjoy your feast! For the full recipe, check out Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet. This blog post covered key ingredients for taco pasta, including meat, veggies, and spices. I walked you through step-by-step cooking, offered helpful tips, and shared tasty variations. You also learned how to store leftovers and answered common questions. In closing, cooking taco pasta is fun and flexible. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy making it your own!

Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet! Packed with ground turkey, black beans, and gooey cheddar cheese, this one-pan wonder is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser the whole family will love.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb ground turkey or beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning (approx. 1 ounce)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup corn (frozen, or canned and drained)

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup sour cream

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: In a generously sized skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.

    Cook Meat: Incorporate the minced garlic and ground turkey (or beef) into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat.

      Combine Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning, followed by the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, corn, and chicken or vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

        Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the penne pasta to the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

          Make it Cheesy and Creamy: Remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until everything is creamy and well incorporated. If desired, add salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.

            Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top of the dish for a burst of freshness and color.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the taco pasta skillet in individual bowls, garnished with an extra sprinkle of cheese and a few cilantro leaves on top for visual appeal. Accompany with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch!