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How to Make Cheesy Taco Pasta

This cheesy taco pasta recipe helps you create a perfect combination of taco and pasta from simple ingredients and a diverse group of spices.
  • cook TIME 10 mins
  • prep TIME 12 mins
  • total TIME 22 mins
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Global
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 495 kcal
Author: Tuyet Pham, Luna Regina

Ingredients (21)

  • 12 oz cooked shell pasta
  • 14 oz 85% lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup homemade tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Hunt’s tomato paste
  • 2 oz cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp oregano finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

1

Chopping vegetables.

2

Finely chop or mince the garlic, parsley, cilantro, and oregano.

3

Cooking pasta.

4

Conchiglie takes 10-12 minutes to cook. There isn’t an exact number because it depends on the package instructions for your pasta and the thickness of the shells.

5

We recommend cooking pasta al dente: About one or two minutes earlier than the package instructions, take a bite. If it’s tender but still a bit chewy, it’s good to go. Strain the pasta and let it rest.

Cook

1

Place a pan on medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp of garlic. Stir for 30 seconds. Add 14 oz of ground beef and continue stirring for 2 minutes.

2

Add the spices: 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cayenne powder, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, and 1 tsp lime juice. Mix well for 30 seconds. Add 1 tbsp tomato paste.

3

Add 1/2 cup of homemade tomato sauce and 1 cup of chicken broth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.

4

Add 12 oz cooked shell pasta and stir with the sauce for 2 more minutes.

5

Take it off the heat.

6

Sprinkle 2 oz cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp parsley, and 1/4 cup cilantro.

7

Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 495kcal | Fat 27g | Saturated Fat 9.4g | Trans Fat 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat 1g | Monounsaturated Fat 4g | Cholesterol 81mg | Sodium 571mg | Potassium 331mg | Carbohydrate 34g | Fiber 3g | Sugar 3g | Protein 29g | Vitamin A 1244IU | Vitamin C 13mg | Calcium 137mg | Iron 3mg