Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta: A Cheesy Delight

Name: Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz short pasta (penne or rotini); 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 oz taco seasoning (1 packet); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup bell peppers, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped

Published: June 21, 2025

by Molly white

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta is incredibly easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
The explosion of flavors will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Its rich and creamy texture looks stunning on your dinner table, tempting everyone to dig in.
Perfect for busy families but versatile enough for entertaining guests or meal prep!

Ingredients for Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Use any short pasta like penne or rotini for that perfect bite and ease of mixing.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat for a healthier option that still delivers on flavor.
Taco Seasoning: This pre-made spice blend will infuse your dish with all the classic taco flavors without any hassle.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for moisture and flavor; it helps balance the richness of the cream.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness; make sure it’s softened for easy blending into the sauce.
Shredded Cheese: A generous handful of cheddar or Mexican blend cheese will create that ooey-gooey topping.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch and nutrition; feel free to mix up colors for visual appeal.
Onion: Chopped onion brings sweetness and depth to your flavor profile; yellow or red works well here.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta

How to Make Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Meat

Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to ‘Sauté’. Add ground beef or turkey along with chopped onions. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as you go.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Toss in chopped bell peppers and continue cooking for another few minutes until they soften slightly.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir well. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom—this adds flavor!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add pasta directly into the pot. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure pasta is submerged in liquid. Seal the lid and cook on ‘Manual’ high pressure for about four minutes.

Step 5: Release Pressure

Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release of pressure. Open the lid once safe, and stir everything together.

Step 6: Create Creamy Goodness

Add softened cream cheese and shredded cheese. Stir until everything is melted together into a creamy dreamscape.

Transfer to plates and garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy—because who says you can’t show off just a little? Enjoy every cheesy bite!

You Must Know

This creamy Instant Pot taco pasta is not just a dinner; it’s a fiesta in a bowl.
With a blend of flavors and textures, it brings joy to your table while making life easier.
Perfectly cooked in one pot, it saves time and effort without sacrificing taste.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the perfect creamy Instant Pot taco pasta, start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Next, brown the ground meat before adding pasta and sauce ingredients for an effortless one-pot meal that’s bursting with flavor. Taco Ranch Bites for parties.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite veggies or swap the protein for something like shredded chicken or beans. A sprinkle of lime juice or some fresh cilantro can elevate the flavors even more!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water when cooking pasta.
Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
If you want extra creaminess, add more cheese at the end – because who doesn’t love cheese?

Sometimes I whip up this creamy Instant Pot taco pasta on busy weeknights and my kids go wild over it! Their compliments make all the chopping worth it, even if it’s just opening cans!

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta?

To make Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta, you’ll need a variety of ingredients including pasta, ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. You can also add bell peppers and onion for extra flavor. Don’t forget the broth or water to help cook the pasta in the Instant Pot. This combination creates a delicious and creamy dish that everyone will enjoy.

How long does it take to cook Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta?

Cooking Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta typically takes around 10-15 minutes once your ingredients are prepared and added to the pot. The pressure cooking time is about 5 minutes, but you should allow for time to build pressure and then release it afterward. Overall, you can have this hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I customize my Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta is its versatility. You can substitute ground beef with chicken or even go vegetarian by using beans or lentils. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like corn or zucchini. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding jalapeños or using mild taco seasoning.

How do I store leftovers of Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta?

To store leftovers of your Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, portion out servings in freezer-safe containers and store them for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.

Conclusion for Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta :

In summary, Creamy Instant Pot Taco Pasta is an easy and delicious meal that comes together quickly in your pressure cooker. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for any busy weeknight dinner. Seafood Pasta with Shrimp The ability to customize based on personal preferences makes this dish a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to try different variations and enjoy this creamy delight that everyone will love! For more inspiration, check out this garlic shrimp recipe recipe.

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📖 Recipe Card