Turkey Taco Pasta

Name: Turkey Taco Pasta
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 18 min
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

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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!

turkey taco pasta in a large skillet with parsley sprinkled on top.

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.

Turkey Taco Pasta in a large pot with parsley sprinkled over top.

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

overhead photo of ingredients including cheddar cheese, canned tomatoes, and macaroni.

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.

process shots showing the browned meat, canned tomatoes, macaroni, and cheddar cheese.

Step 1: brown the turkey meat

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.

Turkey Taco Pasta in a large pot with chopped parsley on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in taco seasoning?

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.

What can I use instead of macaroni?

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.

Can you freeze turkey taco pasta?

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.

Turkey Taco Pasta in a large pan with parsley in the background.

More One Pot Dinners

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