Save This Turkey Taco Pasta Skillet blends the bold flavors of taco night with cozy pasta comfort all in one pan. It is a true weeknight hero for busy evenings and just as satisfying as two of my family favorites in a single dish. Whenever I need a hearty meal that everyone devours with zero complaints this one always delivers.
I first tried throwing pasta into our taco skillet on a whim after a busy day and it quickly became the most requested dinner in my house. Even my youngest now asks for taco pasta as her birthday meal every year.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: brings lean protein and soaks up all the seasonings choose lean but not ultra lean so the final dish is juicy
- Short pasta like rotini or penne: their shape holds onto all the saucy goodness whole wheat or protein enriched pasta both work great
- Onion: adds sweetness as it cooks out and makes the base feel savory use yellow for mellow flavor and buy firm with no soft spots
- Bell pepper: gives pops of color and natural sweetness red or yellow are my favorite for this dish look for smooth skin
- Taco seasoning: drives that bold southwest flavor opt for low sodium blends or make your own with cumin chili powder garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra depth
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies: make the sauce tangy and vibrant fire roasted varieties give extra smokiness
- Chicken broth: creates the right amount of saucy pasta look for low sodium and good clarity rather than cloudy
- Sweet corn: brings little juicy bites fresh canned or frozen are all fantastic options
- Black beans: give heartiness and extra protein check for a can with little sodium and rinse well
- Cheddar cheese: gets melty and delicious use sharp for the best punch and shred it yourself if you can
- Fresh cilantro: at the end is bright and herbal choose bunches with no yellowing leaves
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: as a garnish creamy finish that cools the mild heat of the spices
Instructions
- Prep the Aromatics:
- Dice the onion and bell pepper as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate. Mince the garlic if your taco seasoning does not have much
- Brown the Turkey:
- Heat a wide skillet over medium high until hot. Add ground turkey and use a wooden spoon to break into small crumbles. Let sit for two minutes before stirring so it browns not steams. Cook until most pink is gone and a few bits get golden edges. Add onions and peppers then cook together until veggies start softening and mix smells savory
- Season Everything:
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over turkey and vegetables stirring to coat everything fully. Let spices toast in the heat for one minute so flavors bloom and you smell a warm spice aroma
- Build the Sauce:
- Pour in canned tomatoes with their juices then add chicken broth. Stir well scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor
- Add Pasta and Simmer:
- Mix in the dry pasta and push it under the liquid as much as possible. Lower the heat to medium low and cover. Simmer for twelve to fourteen minutes stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. Pasta should be just cooked but not mushy. If liquid runs low add a splash more broth
- Finishing Touches:
- Stir in corn and black beans and let heat through for two minutes. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top cover and let stand two to three minutes so cheese melts. Top with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like
Save My personal favorite ingredient for this skillet is the fire roasted canned tomatoes because they instantly add smokiness and depth without extra work. One night my son suggested topping his bowl with crushed tortilla chips and now everyone in the house asks for the crunchy finish every time.
Storage Tips
Cool leftover turkey taco pasta completely before transferring to a container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap black beans for kidney pinto or omit completely if someone is not a fan. Use ground chicken or lean beef instead of turkey for a different flavor base. If you want to make it dairy free skip cheese and sour cream or use your favorite plant based substitute which melts nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Pile into bowls and top with diced avocado sliced jalapenos or crunchy tortilla strips for an upgrade. For kids serve plain pasta on one side of the pan and scoop the taco mixture on top for the pickier eaters. Round out taco night with a simple green salad and lime wedges to squeeze on just before eating.
Save This hearty skillet makes taco night even easier and packs plenty of flavor. Make extra—leftovers taste even better the next day.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground beef for turkey?
Yes, ground beef works well. Adjust seasoning if preferred for richer flavor.
- → What pasta shape works best?
Short varieties like penne, rotini, or shells easily absorb sauce and seasoning.
- → How spicy is this dish?
Heat depends on the taco seasoning and any added jalapeño or salsa. Adjust to taste.
- → Can leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container, refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water.
- → What toppings complement this skillet?
Try shredded lettuce, sour cream, chopped tomato, avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish accommodating for gluten sensitivities.