Taco-Style Pasta Skillet
A weeknight favorite with ground turkey, taco seasoning, and pasta that mimics classic taco flavors kids adore. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, ground turkey, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz penne pasta, and cook for 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 lb ground turkey and cook for 5 minutes until browned, breaking into small pieces. Stir in 1/2 cup diced onion and 1 minced garlic clove, cooking for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp taco seasoning and 1/4 cup salsa to the skillet, stirring to coat the turkey. Mix in the drained penne pasta and cook for 2 minutes to combine. Serve topped with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup sour cream.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Taco-Style Pasta Skillet take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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-Style Pasta Skillet?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Style Pasta Skillet?
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-Style Pasta Skillet 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-Style Pasta Skillet?
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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
