If you love tacos and pasta, this healthy taco pasta is about to be your new go-to weeknight dinner! Made with lean ground turkey, high-protein chickpea noodles, and all the bold, zesty taco flavors you crave, this dish is equal parts comforting and nutritious. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but still balanced, which is important to me as a mom and dietitian! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra protein and fiber without even trying.
If you're looking for recipes on Be Well Table that are similar to a healthy taco pasta, here are some options that incorporate lean proteins and bold flavors: pesto and turkey sandwich, chicken pad thai - healthy, or California chicken salad recipe!
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Ingredients Needed
- Ground turkey – A lean and protein-packed base for this dish, ground turkey adds a hearty, meaty texture while keeping things light and nutritious.
- Taco seasoning – The easiest way to bring bold, zesty taco flavors to this pasta! A mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder gives the dish that signature Tex-Mex kick.
- Chickpea noodles – A high-protein, fiber-rich alternative to traditional pasta, chickpea noodles add extra nutrition and a deliciously chewy texture to this dish.
- Mild salsa – Adds a fresh, slightly tangy base to the sauce, bringing in a mix of tomatoes, onions, and peppers for extra flavor without much effort.
- Diced Roma tomatoes – Fresh and juicy, these add a pop of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the dish.
- Chopped cilantro – A bright, herby finishing touch that enhances the taco flavors with a bit of freshness.
- Crushed tortilla chips – For a little crunch! These add texture and a fun, salty contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Shredded Mexican-style cheese – A melty, savory blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack, bringing just the right amount of creaminess to each bite.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Healthy Taco Pasta
Cook the meat: Brown the ground turkey over medium heat in a large, deep skillet. Cook until fully cooked.
Add in main ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning into the ground turkey. Add in water, salsa, and chickpea noodles.
Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Add toppings: Once done, turn off the stove. Add salt and pepper or your favorite toppings!
Hint: Don't overcook the chickpea pasta. Chickpea pasta cooks faster than regular wheat pasta and can get mushy if left in the water too long. Follow the package instructions, but start checking for doneness a minute or two early. Also, rinse it briefly after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Variations
Taco pasta is super versatile! Here are some fun variations to mix it up:
- Chicken Taco Pasta: Swap the ground beef or turkey for grilled or shredded chicken. It adds a lighter twist while still keeping that taco flavor.
- Beef Taco Pasta: Go classic with ground beef, and add in some sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
- Vegetarian Taco Pasta: Use black beans, kidney beans, or a veggie crumble as the base. You can also add roasted veggies like zucchini and corn.
- Shrimp Taco Pasta: Swap in shrimp for a seafood twist, seasoned with taco spices for that same bold flavor.
- Spicy Taco Pasta: Add jalapeños, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. You can also use a spicy pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Creamy Taco Pasta: Stir in some cream cheese, sour cream, or a dairy-free alternative to make it creamy and indulgent.
- Southwest Taco Pasta: Mix in ingredients like avocado, corn, black beans, and a squeeze of lime to give it a Southwest flavor profile.
- Taco Salad Pasta: Top the pasta with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of salsa or guacamole to make it feel like a taco salad.
Feel free to get creative and mix in any of your favorite taco toppings or fillings!
Substitutions
Gluten-Free
This pasta is naturally gluten-free!
Dairy-Free
Simply swap out the shredded cheese for your favorite plant-based alternative or leave it out entirely.
Vegetarian/Vegan
For a plant-based twist, use plant-based shredded cheese or skip it altogether. Swap the ground turkey with crumbled tofu for a delicious, vegan-friendly option.
Nutrition
This taco pasta with ground turkey and chickpea pasta is a hearty, protein-packed meal with a nutritious twist. The lean ground turkey provides a great source of protein while keeping it lower in saturated fat compared to beef. Chickpea pasta adds extra fiber, plant-based protein, and complex carbs to keep you full and satisfied. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free and rich in nutrients like iron and B vitamins. With bold taco spices, a touch of cheese, and plenty of flavor, this dish is a balanced and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal without the heaviness!
Storage
To store taco pasta, follow these tips to keep it fresh:
Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to store it longer, freeze the pasta (without any fresh toppings like cilantro, tomatoes, or tortilla chips) for up to 2-3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Cool It Down: Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation in the container.
Airtight Container: Store it in an airtight container to lock in moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Refrigerate: Keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat with a Little Liquid: When reheating, add a splash of water, broth, or salsa to bring it back to life and prevent it from drying out.
Top tip
Melt the cheese into the sauce, not just on top! Stir shredded cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) into the pasta while it’s still warm to create a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite. Then, add extra on top for that gooey finish!
FAQ
I like to use lean meat like ground turkey or ground chicken! Another way to make a taco healthier is to use less cheese and add more vegetables!
This One-Pot Healthy Taco Pasta is a quick, healthy recipe using pasta! This Chimichurri Pasta Salad is also an easy recipe with pasta that has a good amount of veggies.
Did you try this recipe? I would love to see what you made! Tag me (@bewelltable) on Instagram and leave a 5 ⭐️ review below!
One-Pot Healthy Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ packet of taco seasoning
- 2 cups water
- 1 box chickpea noodles
- 1 cup mild salsa
Toppings
- Diced roma tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Shredded Mexican-style cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey over medium heat in a large, deep skillet. Cook until fully cooked.
- Stir in the taco seasoning into the ground turkey. Add in water, salsa, and chickpea noodles.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Once done, turn off the stove. Add salt and pepper or your favorite toppings!
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