Turkey Taco Pasta is a simple and delicious one pot comfort food that the whole family will love. This recipe is made with ground turkey and comes together in just 20 minutes!
Also referred to as Homemade Hamburger Helper, this Cheesy Taco Pasta has all the same flavors but is so much better! The preparation couldn’t be easier and clean up is a breeze since it’s all done in one pot.
If you love simple one-pot comfort food meals, be sure to check out this Shrimp Orzo or classic Chicken Risotto. For another one pot pasta, be sure to try Sausage Kale Pasta or Lemon Ricotta Pasta.
Why You Need to Make this Recipe!
Turkey Taco Pasta is one of those recipes you need to have in your recipe box. It’s easy to make, totally comforting, and always a fan favorite.
This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner and it’s kid friendly. You can make it in just one pot and it comes together in just 20 minutes.
If you like Hamburger Helper, you are going to love this recipe! It’s similar in nature, but just so much more flavorful and healthy.
Ground turkey adds a meaty texture to the recipe without a lot of extra fat. I actually prefer the flavors of ground turkey to ground beef in this type of recipe.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, this is one recipe you definitely want to make. Give it a try today!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: use 93/7 blend ground turkey. You can also substitute ground chicken or beef in needed.
- Pasta: I like to use traditional macaroni noodles in Turkey Taco Pasta. If you can find the large macaroni noodles, those work great. You can also substitute any small pasta.
- Taco Seasoning: use your favorite taco seasoning for this recipe. I like the McCormick blend because it’s more mild and kid friendly.
- Diced Tomatoes: canned diced tomatoes will give a great texture to the recipe. You could do diced fresh tomatoes if you like.
- Milk: you need milk to give the recipe creaminess. I use 2% milk but 1% or whole works.
- Cream Cheese: the cream cheese adds a smooth and creamy finish. You could substitute sour cream.
How to Make Turkey Taco Pasta
You will need a very large skillet or dutch oven for this recipe. Set the pot over medium high heat.
Step 1: brown the turkey meat
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Start by browning the turkey meat until it is no longer pink. Add in the onions and garlic and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and canned tomatoes.
Step 2: add in the milk and water
Next, add in the milk and water to the pan. Bring to a low boil.
Step 3: cook the pasta
Once the liquid is bubbling, add in the pasta and reduce to a simmer. Cook the pasta, uncovered, for the time indicated on the pasta package. Be sure to stir frequently to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: add in the cheeses
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the dish. Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
Recipe Tips
- Use a ground turkey blend with some fat (like a 93/7 blend). If you are using a lower fat ground turkey, add about a tablespoon of oil to the pan before cooking.
- A packet of taco seasoning has an ounce of seasoning blend. If you are using seasoning from a larger container you will need about two tablespoons.
- You can use macaroni here or any smaller pasta like rotini or shells.
- Be sure to stir the pasta while it’s cooking so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- After you stir in the cream cheese and cheddar, let the pasta sit for about two minutes to thicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. You can also freeze leftover Turkey Taco Pasta in an airtight container for up to months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most taco seasonings are made with oregano, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. You can use store-bought taco seasoning for this recipe or make your own.
You can use any short pasta noodle like rotini, shells, or ziti. I like to use the large macaroni noodles when I can find them.
Yes! This is a great recipe to freeze for later. Let the recipe cool completely then portion out individual servings in airtight containers. Freeze for up to two months. To reheat, heat at low power for 3-4 minutes, then stir and heat at full power until warmed through.
More One Pot Dinners
Turkey Taco Pasta
Equipment
- large skillet or dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 pounds ground turkey
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup taco seasoning mix (one packet)
- 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups dried macaroni
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Cook ground turkey in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat until it starts to brown. Add in the onion and garlic and continue to cook until the turkey is cooked through and no longer pink. Add in the taco seasoning mix and diced tomatoes, and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour the water and milk into the skillet. Bring to a low boil and add in the dried pasta and cook, uncovered, until al dente according to package directions (about 7-9 minutes). Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and cream cheese until combined. Allow mixture to sit for a minute or two to thicken before serving. Garnish with parsley, optional.
Video
Notes
- Use a ground turkey blend with some fat (like a 93/7 blend). If you are using a lower fat ground turkey, add about a tablespoon of oil to the pan before cooking.
- A packet of taco seasoning contains one ounce of seasoning blend. If you are using seasoning from a larger container you will need about two tablespoons.
- You can use macaroni here or any smaller pasta like rotini or shells.
- Be sure to stir the pasta while it’s cooking so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- After you stir in the cream cheese and cheddar, let the pasta sit for about two minutes to thicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. You can also freeze leftover Turkey Taco Pasta in an airtight container for up to two months.
Nutrition
For another delicious and easy ground turkey recipe, don’t miss my Green Enchilada Casserole!
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Super easy, super yummy!
Thank you!
super yummy! we used the little alphabet pasta so it was very creamy and felt like eating small smushy rice with it
So happy you enjoyed it!
Made this for dinner and it does not disappoint! Literally, my two favorite foods mixed together; so delicious!
I’ve been using more ground turkey which makes this a perfect recipe for me. Love the cheesy Mexican goodness.
Did you say ‘Cheesy’ and ‘Pasta’? These two words are the favorite ones in our home! Your recipe sounds amazingly delicious! My guys are going to love it!
Two of my favourite things in the world – tacos and pasta! Seriously can’t wait to try this 🙂
This taco pasta is so comforting and filling! My kids love it!