Description
This One-Pot Taco Pasta blends spicy taco flavors with tender pasta for a quick, family-friendly meal that cooks in one skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces gluten-free pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef (or plant-based alternative)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1–2 teaspoons chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Avocado slices for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey or beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Brown until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and chili powder (if using). Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the broth and undrained diced tomatoes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the dry pasta, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered, stirring every few minutes until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 10–12 minutes.
- Stir in corn, black beans, and bell pepper during the last 2–3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro or parsley and top with avocado slices before serving.
Notes
For creaminess, stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or 2–3 tablespoons cream cheese at the end. Substitute small shells for gluten-free pasta if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: taco pasta, one-pot meal, family-friendly dinner, quick recipe