Creamy Taco Mac

I love recipes like this.  They are so easy to throw together, delicious, comforting and instant classics.  Ashley simply referred to this recipe as “better for you hamburger helper” and I think that description fits perfectly.  I, personally, have never had Hamburger Helper but I know may people who have and who utilize this convenience food.  With life being so chaotic we all need a little help every now and then and that’s when the box comes in handy.  I believe this creamy taco mac still gives you the same convenience but utilizes items already in your pantry. 

This recipes includes simple ingredients that are staples in pretty much every pantry.  Although I used ground turkey, ground beef or ground chicken could easily be used it it’s place.  This meal is full of flavor and a fairly well-balanced meal.  It’s the perfect option for a quick, week night meal.  The addition of tomatoes and onions also gives extra veggie power to this meal.  This is perfect served on it’s own, but would also go well with a green salad and garlic bread.  This was a crowd pleaser at our house and I’m sure it will be one at yours, as well.

Creamy Taco Mac

Ingredients:

1 1/4 lbs ground turkey
8 Oz (1/2 pound) dry pasta
1 Small onion, diced
1 Clove garlic, minced
1 (14 oz) Can diced tomatoes
4 Tbsp taco seasoning
3 Oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 Cup sour cream, plus additional for serving
Salt and pepper, to taste
Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Season water with salt and cook pasta according to package instructions.  Reserve 1 cup pasta water then drain pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saute pan, cook turkey over medium heat until no longer pink.  Add the diced onions to the turkey a few minutes before turkey is done cooking.  Once turkey is cooked through add the garlic and cook until fragarent, an additional 30 seconds.  Mix in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning and allow to simmer about 5 minutes.  Stir in cooked pasta, sour cream, cream cheese and 1/2 of the reserved pasta water, continue stirring until sour cream and cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended.  If the mixture is too thick add the remaining pasta water 1/4 cup at a time.  Season with salt and pepper.  Simmer over medium heat for an additional 5 minutes, until sauce has reduced slightly.  Remove from heat and transfer to serving dishes.  Top with shredded cheese, sour cream and green onions, if desired.

Recipe source: slightly adapted from Delish