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Easy Skillet Turkey Taco Pasta Recipe Perfect for Quick One-Pot Meals

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A quick and easy one-pot skillet turkey taco pasta that combines savory turkey, taco seasoning, and creamy cheese for a comforting weeknight dinner ready in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground turkey
  • 8 ounces (225g) uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells; whole wheat or gluten-free pasta optional)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425g) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado or jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and starting to brown. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons taco seasoning over the turkey and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in 15 ounces tomato sauce and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir to combine, then add uncooked pasta. Stir to submerge pasta in liquid.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid slightly ajar and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  7. Remove lid, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and stir gently until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve hot, topped with optional fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado.

Notes

If pasta isn’t tender after 15 minutes, add a splash more broth and cook a few minutes longer. Avoid fully covering the pan while simmering to prevent watery sauce. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Ground turkey can be swapped with lean ground chicken or beef. Toast taco seasoning before adding liquids for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey taco pasta, one-pot meal, quick dinner, skillet recipe, taco seasoning, easy pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/easy-skillet-turkey-taco-pasta-recipe-perfect-for-quick-one-pot-meals/