One Pan Homemade Cheesy Turkey Taco Pasta. Ever want a taco but you don't have any taco shells in the house??? Try this fun new twist on a Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe. It's gonna be the easiest thing you'll make all week!! And it has all those great flavors you get with a taco but less work to make. I mean, I love a taco but there is a lot of prep work to get those tacos on the table.
Nothing is easier to make than a Hamburger Helper or Tuna Helper for dinner. Until now!!! I have to say, I have made my share of Hamburger Helper dishes. After coming home from a busy day at work, the thought of spending a couple of hours in the kitchen isn't my idea of fun! I don't know about you, but I want something fast and delicious! This "Homemade Hamburger helper" is easy to make,the ingredients are a cinch to find, and it's ready in less than 25 minutes. Also, I do love knowing exactly what I'm eating.
We actually should call this dish "Turkey Helper" instead of "Hamburger Helper", since there isn't any hamburger in the dish.... we made it with Turkey. Hey, it cuts calories and no one will know it's not hamburger! But, hamburger or chicken can be substituted for the turkey. I always say use what you have in the Pantry/Fridge. Cauliflower could also be used in this dish if you wanted a vegetarian meal!
Homemade Cheesy Turkey Pasta (Turkey Helper) One Pan Dinner!!!!
As I mentioned, this is a very easy fast dinner to make and, by using Turkey, it cuts calories without cutting any of that wonderful taco flavor. From start to finish this recipe can be on the table in 20 minutes!!!!! We used a turkey breast and finely cut the meat- ground turkey or ground beef will work the same and is a little faster because no chopping is required. Cook the meat and when it's starting to brown add the taco seasoning, green chilies, salsa, and water. Bring to a boil.
After it starts to boil stir in the dry pasta. Turn down the heat so the water is at a slow boil. Cover, and cook the pasta until done according to the time on the pasta package. Our pasta took 8 minutes.
When pasta is done and the liquid has reduced by about half, turn off the heat. Gently stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Add chopped cilantro or parsley.
Add jalapenos if you want some spice! Serve and Enjoy this Cheesy Turkey Taco Pasta!!!!!
We use homemade taco seasoning for several reasons; The primary being, that the homemade seasoning has so much more flavor. We always have this taco seasoning in our pantry!!!
Easy Cheesy Turkey Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Ground Turkey (or Chopped Turkey Breast)
- 5 Ounces Pasta
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 4 Ounces Canned Green Chilies
- 1 Cup Salsa
- 1 1/2 Ounces Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons Whipped Cream Cheese
Instructions
- Brown turkey in a large saute pan. About 3 to 4 minutes
- When turkey is almost done add the Taco Seasoning and Green Chilies. Cook for about one minute.
- Stir salsa into the turkey mixture
- Add 2 cups of water. Stir into the turkey mixture.
- Add dry pasta to the turkey mixture. Bring to a boil. Turn down to a slow boil and cover. Cook for the time stated on the pasta packaging. The pasta we use takes 8 minutes to cook al dente.
- When pasta is done to the way you like it. Turn off the heat.
- Stir cheddar cheese and cream cheese into the pasta mixture.
- Top with chopped green onions, cilantro, and or jalapenos. It's also good with a dollop of sour cream.
- Enjoy