Taco Pasta with Ground Turkey & Corn
A protein-packed twist on taco night where seasoned turkey and corn blend seamlessly into a flavorful pasta dish kids adore. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 32 minutes pairs rotini pasta, ground turkey, corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz rotini pasta
- 12 oz ground turkey
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 oz rotini and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz ground turkey and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon, until no pink remains.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp taco seasoning and 1 cup corn kernels, then add 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained) and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Add the drained rotini to the skillet and toss gently for 2 minutes until evenly coated. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and glossy, then serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Taco Pasta with Ground Turkey & Corn take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Taco Pasta with Ground Turkey & Corn?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rotini pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Taco Pasta with Ground Turkey & Corn?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Taco Pasta with Ground Turkey & Corn for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Taco Pasta with Ground Turkey & Corn?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this taco are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 22-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
