09/08/2026
CHEESY TACO TORTELLINI PASTA
A creamy, cheesy mash-up of taco night and pasta night. Makes about 4 servings.
Ingredients
* 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
* 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
* 1 small onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
* 1/2 cup salsa
* 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
* 1/2 cup corn, optional
* 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed, optional
* Salt and pepper to taste
For topping
Sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, jalapeños, or extra shredded cheese all work well.
Directions
1. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the meat. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the taco flavor. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, salsa, broth, and the optional corn and black beans. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
4. Make it cheesy. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth, then add the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
5. Add the tortellini. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the taco-cheese sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or reserved pasta water.
6. Build your bowls. Spoon into bowls and pile on your favorite taco toppings.
Easy variation: For an extra-creamy version, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream before adding the shredded cheese. For more heat, add hot salsa, cayenne, or chopped chipotle peppers.