• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Peanut Blossom
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • Book Club
  • Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • HOLIDAYS
  • BOOK CLUB
  • COOKBOOKS
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • HOLIDAYS
    • BOOK CLUB
    • COOKBOOKS
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Creamy Taco Pasta Skillet

    Published: Feb 25, 2016 · Modified: Sep 9, 2021 by Tiffany Dahle · This post may contain affiliate links.

    10.1K shares
    • Share
    • Email Friend!
    Jump to Recipe - Pin Recipe
    The finished taco pasta skillet is served on top, step by step photos show how to assemble the sauce on bottom.
    The finished taco pasta skillet recipe has been served in a white bowl.

    This creamy taco pasta skillet is the perfect busy night dinner to make for the kids. In the 20 minutes it takes for the water to boil and the pasta to cook, you can have the creamy taco sauce with lightened ground turkey ready for tossing with the firm elbow noodles.

    A bowl of elbow noodles coated in a creamy taco mac sauce with ground turkey.

    My husband adores Hamburger Helper, it's one of those childhood classics that he equates with comfort food.

    Me? I'm not such a fan. I vastly prefer this homemade version of turkey taco pasta because the noodles are plumper and firmer than the boxed mix.

    And, I swear it doesn't take any more time than that packaged stuff!

    My kids always cheer when this recipe is on the dinner menu and I love that it can be made in just 25 minutes or less.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Cook the Pasta
    • Cook the Ground Turkey
    • Assemble the Skillet Dinner
    • Storage Tips
    • More Ground Turkey Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients

    I love how simple the ingredients are for this taco pasta skillet, they're so easy to keep on hand for in a pinch:

    The ingredients for the creamy taco pasta skillet recipe are on the counter.
    • Ground turkey: You could substitute ground beef, ground chicken, or ground pork if you prefer.
    • Elbow shaped pasta
    • Taco seasoning: You can use whatever brand you prefer or a homemade mix.
    • Rotel canned tomatoes with diced chiles
    • Light sour cream
    • Cream cheese
    • Onion
    • Minced garlic
    • Green onions for serving *optional

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Cook the Pasta

    The first step is to boil the water in a large pasta pot.

    While the water is coming to a boil, start the pasta sauce by browning the ground turkey.

    But, keep an eye on the pasta pot. Add the noodles when the water is ready and cook them for 1 minute less than the shortest time on the box to keep them firm.

    Cook the Ground Turkey

    Step by step photos show how to brown the ground turkey and season it for the pasta skillet.

    Cook the ground turkey over Medium-High heat, crumbling it up as it cooks.

    Turkey tends to be very soft until it has browned a bit, it will get easier to break apart with a spoon as it firms up.

    Drain the liquid fat from the skillet and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir to combine and heat until the onions have started to soften.

    Add the taco seasoning and stir. Cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.

    Add the Rotel tomatoes WITH their juices, stir to combine.

    Assemble the Skillet Dinner

    Step by Step photos show how to finish the taco sauce and toss the noodles for the finished taco pasta skillet recipe.

    Two minutes before the pasta is finished cooking, drain off ½ cup of the boiling pasta water and add it to the skillet. Stir it into the turkey - tomato mixture.

    Add the sour cream and cream cheese to the skillet, stir it in as it melts.

    Drain the pasta when it is finished boiling and add it to the finished taco pasta sauce, toss to coat in the sauce and serve.

    Hint: If the noodles are finished before the turkey sauce is, just reserve the pasta water in your measuring cup to the side and drain the pasta. Let it sit in the strainer in your sink until you're ready to toss it with the finished sauce.

    The finished taco pasta skillet recipe has been served in a white bowl.

    Storage Tips

    This recipe is best served immediately. The longer it sits, the more liquid will be absorbed by the noodles and the dryer the mixture will become.

    However, you can store leftovers overnight in the fridge, stored in an airtight container.

    To reheat: Simply sprinkle a little water or chicken stock over the pasta before heating up in the microwave. This will help restore some of the moisture to the sauce as it reheats.

    More Ground Turkey Recipes

    As much as we love this turkey taco pasta dish, ground turkey is a great protein to use for an easy dinner. You may also enjoy these recipe ideas:

    • A platter of rolled-up turkey taquitos sits next to a bowl of sour cream and a bowl of salsa.
      Crispy Baked Turkey Taquitos
    • An oven baked turkey burger sits on an open faced bun and is topped with fresh tomato slices, green arugula leaves, and a melted slice of cheese. Tater tots sit next to it for a side dish.
      Juicy Baked Turkey Burgers in the Oven
    • A cast iron skillet holds ground turkey taco skillet with melted cheese and fresh green onions sprinkled over the top.
      One-Pot Taco Skillet
    • A plate of spaghetti with chicken bolognese sauce has a fork twirling the noodles.
      Easy Chicken Bolognese

    If you’ve tried this ground turkey taco mac or any other recipe on PeanutBlossom.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
    FOLLOW along on Instagram @peanut.blossom as well as on  Pinterest and Facebook.

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of elbow noodles coated in a creamy taco mac sauce with ground turkey.

    Creamy Taco Pasta Skillet

    4.50 from 6 votes
    This lightened up one pot recipe is the perfect family-friendly comfort food. Made with lightened up ground turkey, diced tomatoes, and your family's favorite taco seasoning, this easy skillet dinner is always a huge hit.
    TOTAL TIME 27 minutes minutes
    PREP TIME 2 minutes minutes
    COOK TIME 25 minutes minutes
    YIELD 8 servings
    PIN RECIPE FOR LATER PRINT RECIPE NOW

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb. elbow noodles
    • 1¼ lbs. ground turkey
    • ½ cup reserved pasta boiling water
    • 1 onion chopped
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
    • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes
    • 4 oz. (½ a brick) cream cheese
    • ½ cup light sour cream
    • green onions for garnish

    Instructions

    • Place a large pot of salted water over HIGH heat and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions using the 1 minute less than the lowest time on the box. This prevents the noodles from becoming overly mushy as they absorb the liquid from the sauce.
    • Two minutes before the pasta is finished cook, use a measuring cup to reserve ½ cup of the boiling liquid and set aside.
    • Meanwhile in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey until it is no longer pink. Crumble it as it cooks with a spoon or meat chopper. Drain the fat off and return the skillet to the stovetop.
    • Turn the heat down a bit and add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and onions are just softened.
    • Add the taco seasoning, stir to combine and cook for 30 seconds.
    • Add the can of Rotel tomatoes with their juices and the reserved pasta water, scrape the pan to incorporate any seasonings stuck to the bottom.
    • Add the cream cheese and sour cream, stir to melt and combine with the turkey mixture.
    • Add the reserved noodles to the pan and toss to coat.
    • Garnish with chopped green onions or shredded cheese and serve immediately. The mixture will thicken as it sits as the pasta absorbs the sauce.

    Recipe Notes

    Reheating Tips:

    The pasta will appear to dry out in the fridge overnight as it absorbs all the sauce. Sprinkle a tablespoon of water or chicken stock over the leftovers before heating in the microwave to help restore some moisture to the sauce. Stir before serving to combine.
    COURSEPasta
    CUISINEAmerican
    AUTHORTiffany Dahle

    Save This Recipe to Your Recipe Box

    Find this delicious recipe next time you visit by saving it to your very own recipe box on my site. All your favorites stored in one easy place!

    SAVE THIS RECIPESaved!

    More Pasta Recipes

    • A white bowl is filled with classic macaroni salad that has onions, red pepper, and celery peeking out of the dressing.
      Southern Macaroni Salad
    • A white bowl filled with couscous salad. Oranges and bell peppers are peeking out of the mix.
      Warm Couscous Salad with Oranges
    • A white bowl filled with creamy spiral noodles with baby spinach leaves mixed in.
      Goat Cheese Pasta with Baby Spinach
    • A crockpot has tortellini soup with a tomato broth base.
      Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Share Your Thoughts Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Holly Hooper

      November 03, 2021 at 4:19 am

      I will have to look for one of those grill pans, as I eat a lot of chicken. During the warm months I do use a gas grill outside, but have been using a Forman grill in winter. I have found that it will make nice grill marks, but to cook all the way through, wind up with burned grill marks. I never considered just a quick grilling to get the marks and finishing up in the oven. Thank you for the post. now I won't have to use ketchup to give my chicken a little moisture when I eat it. ?
      Holly Hooper

      Reply
    2. Rose Martine

      February 12, 2020 at 12:45 am

      YUMMY!!!!! Thanks for sharing your recipe! I’ve heard about your blog a couple of times and will now spend my afternoon reading 🙂

      Reply
    3. Jimbus

      October 16, 2019 at 7:44 pm

      I had 2lb of ground turkey and some leftover cream cheese and found this googling around. I doubled up on the rotella diced tomatoes with chilies and added some extra cream cheese and doubled up the taco seasoning (McCormick's). I served it with shredded cheese and sour cream on the side and it was wonderful. I will be pinning this for repeat use.

      Reply
    4. Chelsea

      November 21, 2016 at 3:53 pm

      This was so good! The only thing I changed was the amount of taco seasoning. I used 2 tbs and that was PLENTY. Thanks for a great, easy recipe.

      Reply
    5. Dannesha

      April 12, 2016 at 5:30 pm

      Made this tonight! Always looking for ground turkey recipes other than turkey burgers, meatballs, etc. This was delicious!

      Reply
    6. @Dayngr

      February 26, 2016 at 4:37 pm

      Oh man does that look good! I've never tried ground turkey so I'm tempted to give this recipe a go.

      @Dayngr | NC Blogger Network

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tiffany!
    I believe a great family recipe is one that makes everyone at the table happy, not just the kids. I'm the author of two bestselling cookbooks for kids that are chock full of recipes everyone in your family will love. I'm also the hostess of the best online book club for moms.

    More about me →

    What's Trending Now

    • A wicker picnic basket with white flowers and a bottle of water with fresh fruit sits on a picnic blanket outside.
      What to Pack for a Picnic: 45 Easy Recipes
    • The photo collage shows several one pot dinner ideas using a skillet or dutch oven.
      55 One Pot Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights
    • A bottle of Mike's Hot Honey is in a photo collage next to 3 recipes it could be used in.
      20 Hot Honey Recipes You Have to Try
    • A white bowl is filled with classic macaroni salad that has onions, red pepper, and celery peeking out of the dressing.
      Southern Macaroni Salad

    Popular

    • A freezer-friendly metal pan holds an 8x8-inch apple crisp with crumble topping.
      Freezer Friendly Apple Crisp
    • A stack of the best books for book club in 2023
      Best Book Club Picks 2023
    • A taco salad made with mini frozen tacos.
      10-minute Trader Joe's Meals
    • A photo collage shows a table set with ground beef taco fillings and tortilla shells on a pan next to alternative taco tuesday recipes ideas.
      30 Taco Tuesday Recipes for a Family Fiesta
    • A collage of easy dinners for busy nights.
      30 Quick Dinners for Busy Nights
    • A photo collages shows several easy dinner ideas kids could make.
      Easy Dinner Ideas for Yo-Yo Nights {You're On Your Own!}
    • A meal train dinner kit featuring supplies for tacos sits in an aluminum tray for delivery.
      30 Clever Meal Train Ideas with Recipes
    • Harry Potter themed snacks are in a platter with a witch hat sitting next to an open copy of a Harry Potter book.
      21 Harry Potter Snacks for Movie Night

    Footer

    As Seen On

    The Taste of Home Logo
    The Pioneer Woman Logo
    The Country Living Logo
    The Buzzfeed logo
    The Good Housekeeping Logo

    About

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Contact
    Privacy Policy
    Disclaimer
    Terms of Service

    Favorites

    Bread Recipes
    Soup Recipes
    Quick Dinner Recipes
    Harry Potter Fan Club
    Reading with Kids

    Holidays

    Easter Recipes
    Catholic Celebrations
    Thanksgiving Recipes
    Christmas Recipes

    Recipes

    Appetizers
    Dinners
    Main Dishes
    Salads
    Side Dishes
    Desserts
    Brunch
    Homemade Pantry

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2023