Taco Pasta

I love Mexican/Tex-Mex food. I don't go out to eat it much anymore, so I am always on the hunt for a good recipe to try at home. I saw this over on Fake Ginger and immediately added it to our menu.

I love quick and easy weeknight meals and this recipe fit both of those criteria. We loved this pasta dish.  I had to make myself not go back for seconds.  It was that good.  It tasted like a taco, believe it or not! Shocking, I know, since the dish is called Taco Pasta.  Give it a try on your next taco night.

Taco Pasta
adapted from Fake Ginger
(Printable Recipe)

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1 pound ground beef
8 ounce small dry pasta shapes
1 small onion, chopped (or 1 Tbsp minced onion flakes)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup salsa
1 packet taco seasoning
3 ounce cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper
Shredded Cheese for topping

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the ground meat and onion over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Once the meat is cooked through, drain off the excess fat and mix in the garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Mix in the salsa and taco seasoning and let simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked pasta, cream cheese, sour cream and reserved pasta water, and continue stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Top with shredded cheese and more sour cream and salsa if desired.