This Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jewel-Osco. All opinions are 100% mine.

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly simple and delicious Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta! This plant-based recipe delivers all the vibrant flavors of your favorite tacos, seamlessly blended with comforting pasta, all cooked in a single pan. Perfect for busy families, it’s a quick meal solution that’s ready in under 15 minutes, promising to become a new favorite comfort food in your home. Say goodbye to endless dishes and hello to stress-free, flavorful dinners!

If you’re constantly on the lookout for innovative and plant-based recipes, you might also enjoy exploring options like this Chicago Style Beyond Burger, offering another fantastic meat-free meal idea.

Contents

Why One Pan Taco Pasta is Your New Weeknight Hero

Taco nights are a cherished tradition in many households, including mine. While my family never tires of classic tacos served in crispy shells, I love to introduce exciting variations that keep mealtime fresh and engaging. This Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta is precisely that – a delightful curveball that brings all the familiar taco flavors to a new, comforting pasta dish.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding simple, quick, and satisfying recipes is more crucial than ever. With the demands of remote learning, balancing work commitments, and keeping up with daily tasks, meal preparation often needs to be lightning fast and fuss-free. This is where the magic of one-pan cooking truly shines. Imagine preparing a wholesome, delicious meal without a mountain of pots and pans to wash afterwards. This Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta not only meets all these criteria but exceeds expectations by delivering a hearty, flavorful dish that your entire family will eagerly gather around the table for.

The best part? Everything, including the pasta, cooks to perfection right in one single pot. This eliminates the need to boil pasta separately, saving you both time and cleanup effort. It’s truly a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a delicious solution that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

From Boxed Dinners to Wholesome Homemade Creations

When I first embarked on my culinary journey as a newlywed, I often turned to convenient one-pan boxed dinner kits. They were easy, quick, and got the job done. However, with years of cooking experience under my belt, I’ve discovered the immense joy and superior taste of creating those same comfort meals from scratch. And let me tell you, the homemade version of this taco pasta far surpasses any boxed alternative you could ever find!

This vibrant taco pasta is crafted using just six core ingredients (plus water), all readily available at Jewel-Osco. What makes this recipe truly special is its reliance on O Organics® plant-based products. Jewel-Osco, along with the entire Albertsons Companies family of stores, proudly offers these “better for you” options that are always non-GMO and held to uncompromising standards of purity and quality. Choosing O Organics® means you’re not just making a meal; you’re making a mindful choice for your family’s well-being, without sacrificing flavor or convenience. This commitment to quality ingredients elevates a simple weeknight meal into a truly nourishing and delicious experience.

Key Ingredients for Your Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta:

O Organics Plant Based Crumbles: These form the hearty, savory base of our dish, offering a fantastic meat-free alternative that’s rich in flavor and texture.
Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni: Opting for whole wheat adds a healthy dose of fiber, making the meal more satisfying and nutritious. Elbow macaroni is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Taco Seasoning: The essential flavor booster! A good quality taco seasoning blend will infuse our pasta with that authentic Tex-Mex zest.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa: This ingredient is a double-hitter, providing both a flavorful sauce base and a burst of vibrant vegetables, adding sweetness and a slight tang.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce without adding dairy, keeping our dish plant-based and light.
Water: Necessary for cooking the pasta right in the pan and creating the perfect sauce consistency.
Mexican Style Cheese: While optional for a strictly dairy-free meal, a sprinkle of Mexican style cheese at the end adds a melty, comforting finish and extra flavor.

How to Master Your One Pan Taco Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious and healthier taco pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

Sauté the Plant-Based Crumbles: Begin by placing your O Organics Plant Based Crumbles into a large, deep pan or skillet. Heat over medium flame for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly warmed through and begin to release their aromatic flavors. This step ensures a good texture and flavor foundation for your dish.
Combine the Core Ingredients: To the warmed crumbles, add the taco seasoning, uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni, black bean and corn salsa, unsweetened almond milk, and water. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and the pasta is submerged in the liquid. This is crucial for even cooking.
Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pan, and allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your stove and pan, so keep an eye on it. The goal is for the pasta to be perfectly al dente and most of the liquid to be absorbed, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
Melt in the Cheese (Optional): Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat. If you’re including cheese, sprinkle the Mexican style cheese evenly over the pasta. Gently fold it in until it’s completely melted and beautifully incorporated into the dish. The residual heat from the pasta will melt the cheese to gooey perfection.
Serve and Garnish: Your Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately with your favorite additional toppings to enhance the flavors and textures.

Elevate Your Meal with Delicious Toppings:

While this taco pasta is fantastic on its own, a selection of fresh toppings can truly take it to the next level. I highly recommend experimenting with these:

Creamy Avocado: Diced or sliced avocado adds a rich, buttery texture and healthy fats, complementing the spicy notes.
Cool Sour Cream (or Plant-Based Alternative): A dollop of sour cream or a dairy-free equivalent provides a refreshing contrast and creamy indulgence.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro brightens the dish with its distinctive herbaceous flavor.
Sweet Chopped Tomatoes: Add a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity with finely diced tomatoes.
Crunchy Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips offer a wonderful textural contrast and an extra layer of taco authenticity.
Zesty Lime Squeeze: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can awaken all the flavors and add a delightful tang.

Recipe Variations for Every Palate:

This Mexican-inspired skillet meal is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re looking to add meat or explore different spice levels, here are some suggestions:

Utilize Leftover Taco Meat: If you’ve had taco night recently, repurpose any leftover seasoned ground beef or turkey for an even quicker meal. Simply add it in step 1 to warm through.
Chicken Options: For poultry lovers, chop up a rotisserie chicken for instant flavor and protein, or cook boneless, skinless chicken breast or ground chicken alongside the pasta. Shred or dice once cooked and stir back in.
Classic Ground Beef or Turkey: If plant-based isn’t your preference, traditional ground beef or ground turkey can be used instead of the O Organics crumbles. Brown the meat first, drain any excess fat, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Go Fully Plant-Based: As I did, you can confidently omit any meat product and rely solely on the delicious O Organics Plant Based Crumbles for a wholesome and satisfying vegetarian or vegan-friendly meal (just ensure your cheese and sour cream are plant-based too!).
Amp Up the Spice: For those who love a kick, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce, using a spicier black bean and corn salsa, or serving with sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños. A pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking also works wonders.

Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta

Yield:
4 servings

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

This Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta is an easy, plant-based dinner recipe that’s ready in under 15 minutes and will quickly become your family’s new favorite comfort meal.

Ingredients

10 ounces O Organics Plant Based Crumbles
12 ounces Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni
1 packet Taco Seasoning (approx. 1 oz)
1 cup Black Bean and Corn Salsa
1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 cup Water
3/4 cup Mexican Style Cheese (optional, for folding in)

Instructions

Into a large pan or deep skillet, over medium heat, warm O Organics Plant Based Crumbles for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add in the taco seasoning, uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni, black bean and corn salsa, unsweetened almond milk, and water. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Turn off the heat. If using, fold in the Mexican style cheese until completely melted and well incorporated.
Serve immediately with your choice of additional toppings such as avocado, sour cream (or plant-based alternative), diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Rachael Ray Brights Hard Anodized Nonstick Saute Pan / Frying Pan / Fry Pan – 5 Quart, Gray
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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 425
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 714mg
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 20g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Discover Quality and Convenience with O Organics® and Albertsons Companies

O Organics® stands as a beacon of quality in the plant-based product market. Exclusively available in our stores, O Organics® offers high-quality, minimally processed, or USDA-certified organic plant-based products, ensuring you bring only the best to your family’s table. I personally found these fantastic ingredients at my local Jewel-Osco, but you’ll be pleased to know that O Organics® and Open Nature® plant-based products are widely available across the entire Albertsons Companies family of stores. This extensive network includes popular retailers such as Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Vons, Randalls, Shaw’s Supermarket, Star Market, and Tom Thumb, making it incredibly convenient to access these premium items no matter where you shop.

Beyond their impressive product selection, stores like Jewel-Osco are continually enhancing the shopping experience to cater to modern lifestyles. They offer convenient Grocery Delivery services, bringing your entire order right to your doorstep, saving you precious time. Additionally, their Drive Up & Go™ option allows you to order online and simply pick up your groceries without even leaving your car. These services are invaluable for busy individuals and families, streamlining your grocery runs and freeing up more time for what truly matters – enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals together.

Your Go-To for Stress-Free Family Dinners

As a busy, on-the-go mom, I can attest that my life absolutely depends on recipes that require minimal prep work, produce few extra dishes, and cook quickly. Especially with the ongoing demands of remote learning, which often feels like it consumes every spare moment, efficient meal solutions are not just a luxury but a necessity. This Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta fits perfectly into that lifestyle, offering maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. It’s a testament that healthy, delicious, and plant-based meals can be incredibly easy to prepare, even on the busiest of days. Don’t let a tight schedule deter you from enjoying wholesome, homemade food.

What are some of your favorite easy, go-to meals that help you conquer your busy schedule? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

Wholesome One Pot Taco Pasta