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To make the Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet, you'll need: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup sour cream - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste This combination creates a rich flavor with a great texture. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. - Ground turkey can be replaced with chicken or beef. - For a vegetarian dish, use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. - Canned tomatoes can be fresh tomatoes if you have them. - Any type of cheese works, so try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a kick. These changes can keep the dish exciting. When choosing your ingredients, keep these tips in mind: - Look for firm pasta with no cracks for the best texture. - Choose ground meat that is pink with minimal fat. - Onions should feel heavy and have smooth skin. - Garlic should be firm and free from sprouting. - Diced tomatoes should be bright and juicy, not dull. Selecting fresh ingredients ensures your dish tastes great. For the full recipe, refer to the details provided earlier. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and faster. Measure out 12 oz of penne pasta. You will also need 1 lb of ground turkey or beef. Chop a small onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Open one can of diced tomatoes and one can of black beans. Rinse and drain the black beans. Finally, get 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup of corn, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese ready. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds flavor in your dish. Next, add the minced garlic and the ground turkey or beef. Cook until the meat is browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep it light. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and broth. Bring this mixture to a boil for a rich flavor. Once you add the penne pasta, stir everything well. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. To check if the pasta is done, take a piece out and taste it. It should be tender but still have a slight bite, known as al dente. This texture is perfect for holding the cheesy sauce. Once cooked, mix in the cheddar cheese and sour cream until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy making this Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. You can change the taste of this dish easily. Add some diced bell peppers for crunch. If you like heat, toss in chopped jalapeños. You can also switch taco seasoning. Try a spicy blend or make your own mix. Adding lime juice gives a fresh twist. You can use different cheeses too. Pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick. Watch out for overcooking the pasta. Cook it just until al dente. If you add it too soon, it can turn mushy. Also, don’t skip the broth. It keeps the pasta moist and adds flavor. Forgetting to drain the beans can make your dish watery. Lastly, always taste before serving. Adjust salt and pepper for the best flavor. A large skillet is key for this dish. It helps everything cook evenly. A good wooden spoon is great for mixing. Use a sharp knife for chopping veggies. A can opener is handy for the beans and tomatoes. Measuring cups ensure accurate broth and cheese amounts. Finally, a colander helps you drain the pasta easily. For a full recipe, check out the Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet details. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. To do this, replace the ground turkey or beef with a plant-based protein. Options like lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu work great. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For the cheese, try a vegan cheese or leave it out entirely. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the meal tasty while making it plant-friendly. If you want to switch up the protein, you have many choices. Ground chicken or pork works well if you prefer different meats. You could also use shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. For a spicy twist, try chorizo or ground sausage. Each protein brings its own flavor, so feel free to experiment. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. You can customize the flavor of your taco pasta skillet. Try adding different spices like cumin or paprika for depth. For a smoky taste, use chipotle peppers or smoked paprika. You can also mix in bell peppers or jalapeños for extra heat. For toppings, consider avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions. A dollop of guacamole or salsa can add freshness. Each topping can change the dish's flavor, so mix and match based on your mood. This flexibility makes the Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet fun and unique each time. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To store your Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet, let it cool first. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Divide it into smaller portions for easy meals later. This way, you can enjoy it again without losing flavor. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat your pasta in a pan. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it over medium until warm. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave if you prefer. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best texture, avoid refreezing after thawing. For the full recipe, check out the Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet. It takes about 30 minutes to make Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious meal on the table fast! Yes, you can use a different type of pasta. Bowtie, elbow, or rotini work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times. Each pasta has a different texture and timing. You want it al dente, not mushy. You can substitute ground meat with many options. Try using lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms for a plant-based dish. Crumbled tofu is also a great choice. These options still give great flavor and texture. You can enjoy a tasty meal while keeping it meat-free. If you want the full details, check out the Full Recipe. This blog post covers key points for making Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet. We discussed ingredients, preparation, cooking tips, and how to store leftovers. You now have options for customization and avoiding common mistakes. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Feel free to try vegetarian or vegan adaptations. You can freeze leftovers for later, making meal prep easy. The tips and variations shared help you create your perfect dish. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques. Your journey in the kitchen will be fun and tasty!

Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner? Try this Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet! Made with tender penne pasta, seasoned ground turkey or beef, and creamy cheddar cheese, this one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, it's loaded with flavor and nutrition.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb ground turkey or beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning

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

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

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup sour cream

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

    Add the minced garlic and ground turkey (or beef) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

      Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

        Add the penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

          Once cooked, remove from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until creamy and combined. If desired, season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro before serving.

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