Name: One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta With Chipotle Cream Swirl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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.

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Instructions

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