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Fast and Flavorful: Easy Taco Pasta Recipes for Every Occasion

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This taco pasta salad combines everything you love about tacos—seasoned meat, salsa, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables—with the comfort of pasta in a zesty, creamy dressing. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for weeknights, parties, or meal prep. This version includes classic ingredients like black beans, corn, and shredded lettuce, with a tangy sour cream and salsa dressing. Add tortilla chips on top for crunch, or make it meat-free for a vegetarian twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or pasta of choice, cooked and cooled
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ½ cup water
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (canned and drained or thawed if frozen)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup crushed nacho cheese tortilla chips (optional)
  • 1½ cups shredded lettuce

For the dressing:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened, then let cool.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, taco meat, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cheddar cheese.

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, salsa, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Just before serving, gently mix in the shredded lettuce and crushed tortilla chips if using.

Serve immediately or chill for 1–2 hours for enhanced flavor.

 

Notes

  • Prep Ahead Tip: Cook and cool the pasta and meat early, then assemble later for freshness.

  • Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add lettuce and chips just before eating.

  • Serving Tip: Let it chill for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance flavor.

  • Customization: Swap meat, use different veggies, or try alternative dressings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

  • Optional Add-Ons: Diced avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro for added zest.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/fast-and-flavorful-easy-taco-pasta-recipes-for-every-occasion/