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Best Protein-Packed Taco Pasta Recipe

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner combining taco flavors with hearty pasta, loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich black beans, and a creamy Greek yogurt sauce. This crowd-pleasing meal comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces whole wheat or chickpea pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken (93/7 works best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 packet (or 3 tablespoons) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, lime wedges, extra Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (1-2 minutes less than recommended). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and vegetables. Stir and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), drained black beans, and diced green chiles. Stir to combine. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in cooked pasta. Toss until evenly coated. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time. If too thin, simmer for another minute or two.
  7. Remove skillet from heat and let cool for 1 minute. Stir in Greek yogurt until fully incorporated.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover skillet with a lid and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a bubbly top.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Add optional toppings as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Let meat develop a good sear for flavor. Toast spices before adding liquid. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning before adding pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta, protein-packed, ground turkey, black beans, weeknight dinner, comfort food, high protein, healthy pasta

Find it online: https://larameals.com/best-protein-packed-taco-pasta-recipe/