A quick and healthy One-Pot Taco Pasta recipe featuring ground turkey, bell pepper, beans, salsa, and taco seasoning. This dairy-free dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner!
INGREDIENTS
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- ½ tablespoon sweet paprika
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup tomato sauce (passata or marinara)
- 1 cup salsa (see notes for recipe link)
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta (about 4 cups, depending on pasta size) or your favorite small pasta shape (e.g., shells or penne)
- 1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups water (plus more as needed)
OPTIONAL TACO TOPPINGS
- Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Avocado, cut into chunks
- Green onion, chopped
- Jalapeño slices (remove seeds for less heat)
- Greek yogurt (omit for dairy-free)
- Cheese (cheddar, queso fresco, or cotija; omit for dairy-free)
- Roma or cherry tomatoes, chopped
- Red onion, thinly sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the skillet has a lid for later use.
- Cook the Turkey and Vegetables: Once the oil is hot, add ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes, breaking the turkey into small pieces, until it’s no longer pink.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, sweet paprika, cumin, and salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the turkey is well coated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add tomato sauce, salsa, beans, pasta, and 2 cups of water. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat until the pasta is tender, stirring every 2-3 minutes. Check if additional water is needed; if the pasta begins to stick, add ½ cup at a time. Continue until the pasta is cooked (about 9 minutes for rotini).
- Serve: Once the pasta is done, serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings. Cilantro and avocado chunks make great additions!
RECIPE NOTES
- Taco Seasoning Shortcut: If you have taco seasoning on hand, you can use 2 ½ tablespoons instead of the listed spices. Adjust the salt in the recipe to taste if the seasoning mix contains salt.
- Creamy Option (Not Dairy-Free): For an extra creamy version, stir in 2 oz of full-fat cream cheese after the pasta finishes cooking. Let it melt into the mixture before serving.
