One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta With Chipotle Cream Swirl

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further! This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta with Chipotle Cream Swirl is a game-changer. It combines all the comforting flavors of tacos with the ease of a pasta dish, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup. The smoky chipotle cream swirl adds a delightful touch of heat and richness that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is perfect for busy families, students, or anyone who wants a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your spice preference!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

• 250g (½ lb) Halal Ground Beef: We’re using halal ground beef for a flavorful base. The halal certification ensures it meets specific dietary standards. You can substitute with regular ground beef if preferred, but ensure it’s lean for best results.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides a healthy fat and a subtle fruity flavor to sauté the vegetables and brown the beef.
• 1 Medium Onion, Diced: A classic aromatic base, diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Yellow or white onions work best.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is essential for a savory flavor profile. Freshly minced garlic provides the most potent aroma and taste.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the chipotle and taco seasoning.
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) Chipotle Powder: Chipotle powder brings a smoky heat to the pasta. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
• 2 tsp (10ml) Halal-Certified Taco Seasoning: A pre-mixed blend of spices that provides the classic taco flavor. Using a halal-certified version ensures it aligns with dietary needs.
• 1 cup (240ml) Canned Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add acidity and moisture to the sauce. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes will enhance the smoky flavor.
• 1 cup (240ml) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth): The broth provides liquid for cooking the pasta and adds flavor. Low-sodium allows you to control the salt level. Vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian version.
• 225g (8oz) Short-Tube Pasta (e.g., Penne or Rotini): Short-tube pasta shapes like penne or rotini are ideal for capturing the sauce.
• ½ cup (120ml) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creates a creamy texture in the chipotle cream swirl.
• 115g (½ cup) Cream Cheese, Softened: Softened cream cheese helps create a smooth and stable chipotle cream swirl.
• 1 cup (115g) Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a classic cheesy flavor and melts beautifully into the pasta.
• ¼ cup (15g) Toasted Corn Kernels, Roughly Crushed: Toasted corn kernels add a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness.
• 2 tbsp (8g) Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Lime Zest: Lime zest brightens the flavors and adds a zesty aroma.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to Taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would also work well.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle powder to control the heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and omit the ground beef. Add a can of black beans or pinto beans for protein.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (Dutch ovens work wonderfully!) over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent and softened. This builds the flavor base of the dish. Don’t rush this step; properly softened onions are key.
2. Brown the Beef & Bloom the Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then, add the halal ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. As the beef cooks, season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and halal-certified taco seasoning. The heat helps to ‘bloom’ the spices, releasing their full aroma and flavor.
3. Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these flavorful bits are called ‘fond’ and add depth to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the short-tube pasta (penne or rotini are excellent choices) to the pot, stir well to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente – firm to the bite – and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Keep an eye on it; you may need to add a splash more broth if it gets too dry.
5. Prepare the Chipotle Cream Swirl: While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and an extra ¼ tsp of chipotle powder in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This creates the signature smoky and tangy swirl.
6. Combine & Melt: Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and creates a creamy, cheesy sauce.
7. Swirl & Season: Gently swirl in the chipotle cream using a spatula, creating beautiful ribbons throughout the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch more chipotle powder if desired. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice level!
8. Garnish & Serve: Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the crushed toasted corn kernels over the top for a delightful crunch, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, lime zest, and a final drizzle of any remaining chipotle cream swirl. Serve immediately.

Why One-Pot Matters: Efficiency & Flavor

One-pot pasta dishes aren’t just about convenience; they’re about building incredible flavor. By cooking everything together, the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce as it cooks, resulting in a more cohesive and deeply flavorful dish. The starch released from the pasta also helps to thicken the sauce, creating a creamy texture without needing to add extra thickeners. This method minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste!

Spice Level Customization

The chipotle powder is the key to the smoky heat in this dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with ¼ tsp and taste as you go. For a bolder kick, add up to 1 tsp or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use different types of chili powder for varying flavor profiles.

Topping Variations for Extra Texture

While the toasted corn kernels provide a lovely crunch, don’t hesitate to experiment with other toppings! Crushed tortilla chips, pickled jalapeños, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt would all be delicious additions. Consider a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a salty, crumbly finish.

Halal Considerations & Substitutions

This recipe specifically uses halal ground beef and halal-certified taco seasoning to cater to dietary needs. If you don’t require halal ingredients, you can use any ground beef and taco seasoning you prefer. For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short-tube pasta will work well.
• Can I make this ahead of time? While best served immediately, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, it is not gluten-free due to the pasta. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

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One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta With Chipotle Cream Swirl

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• Author: Sarah Williams
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal combining the flavors of tacos with the convenience of pasta, all cooked in one pot. A smoky chipotle cream swirl adds a delightful touch of heat and richness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250g (0.5 lb) Ground Beef: Halal or lean beef for a flavorful base.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: For sautéing and browning.
• 1 Medium Onion, Diced: Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: For savory flavor.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky flavor.
• 0.5 tsp (2.5ml) Chipotle Powder: For smoky heat, adjust to taste.
• 2 tsp (10ml) Taco Seasoning: Halal-certified blend for classic taco flavor.
• 1 cup (240ml) Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture.
• 1 cup (240ml) Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium for flavor and cooking pasta.
• 225g (8oz) Short-Tube Pasta: Penne or rotini recommended.
• 0.5 cup (120ml) Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the chipotle cream swirl.
• 0.5 cup (115g) Cream Cheese, Softened: Creates a smooth chipotle cream swirl.
• 1 cup (115g) Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Provides cheesy flavor.
• 0.25 cup (15g) Toasted Corn Kernels: Adds crunch.
• 2 tbsp (8g) Cilantro, Chopped: Adds fresh flavor.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Lime Zest: Brightens the flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil, sauté onion until translucent (3-4 minutes).
2. Brown Beef & Bloom Spices: Add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Brown beef (5-6 minutes), season with spices.
3. Deglaze & Simmer: Add tomatoes and broth, scrape up browned bits. Bring to a boil.
4. Cook Pasta: Add pasta, reduce heat, simmer covered (10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
5. Prepare Cream Swirl: Whisk cream cheese, cream, and chipotle powder.
6. Combine & Melt: Remove from heat, fold in cheddar cheese.
7. Swirl & Season: Swirl in chipotle cream, adjust seasoning.
8. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with corn, cilantro, and lime zest. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with beans and use vegetable broth. Adjust chipotle powder to control spice level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: pasta,taco,one pot,cheesy,chipotle,beef,easy,weeknight,mexican