If you’re looking for a flavorful, comforting dish that comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup, you have to try this One-Pot Taco Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe. It perfectly blends the zesty, bold flavors of taco seasoning with creamy, protein-packed cottage cheese and wholesome pasta, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish offers the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy all in one pot, making it an instant family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round silver pan with a long handle holds a thick soup with visible chunks of red tomatoes, white beans, black beans, and small pasta pieces in a rich, reddish-orange broth. On top, there is a large dollop of white sour cream covering the center-left portion, and shredded yellow cheddar cheese scattered over the right side of the sour cream and soup. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by half an avocado with a brown seed, green chili peppers, a small white bowl filled with more shredded cheddar cheese, a wooden spoon, a beige and brown checkered cloth, and a small bunch of cilantro. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this One-Pot Taco Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe is in its simple ingredients that each play an important role. From tender ground turkey to the vibrant medley of veggies and cheesy creaminess, every item adds to the dish’s texture, flavor, and wholesome goodness.

Lean ground turkey (1 lb): A lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the taco spices beautifully.
Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Adds fiber and a hearty texture that balances the pasta.
Cottage cheese (1 container, blended until smooth): The secret to creamy richness without heavy cream, packed with protein.
Dry chickpea pasta shells (2 cups): A gluten-free option that holds sauce well and adds a nice bite.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses moisture and subtle flavor that helps cook the pasta perfectly.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): Adds a smoky depth and vibrant color.
Taco seasoning packet (1): Brings classic taco spices, warming the whole dish.
Red bell pepper (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and a fresh crunch to every bite.
Frozen corn (1 cup): Sweet bursts of texture that compliment the savory components.
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into every nook, adding gooey cheese goodness.
Olive oil or avocado oil: For cooking the turkey and bringing everything together.
Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring the flavor is balanced and just right.

How to Make One-Pot Taco Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of oil. Brown the lean ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks until fully cooked through. This step builds the savory, meaty base that carries all the taco seasoning flavors wonderfully.

Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Mix

Once the turkey is browned, sprinkle in your taco seasoning packet and stir well to coat the meat completely. This infuses aromatic spices that give the dish its signature vibrant taste.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Next, toss in the rinsed black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, frozen corn, chickpea pasta shells, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is submerged as much as possible for even cooking.

Step 4: Cook and Stir Occasionally

Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, concentrating the flavors.

Step 5: Blend and Stir in Cottage Cheese

While the pasta cooks, blend the cottage cheese until smooth using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor. Stir this creamy goodness into the pot, which makes the dish luxuriously rich without any heavy cream.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and silky. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Serve One-Pot Taco Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe

A round silver pot filled with four distinct layers of ingredients on a white marbled surface. The bottom left quadrant holds bright red chopped tomatoes in their juice, while the bottom right contains yellow corn kernels. The upper right shows dark red kidney beans, and the upper left is filled with uncooked yellow pasta shells. Around the pot are two halves of avocado, sliced green jalapeno peppers, a small white bowl with orange shredded cheese, some loose cheese strands scattered nearby, and sprigs of fresh green cilantro. A wooden spoon rests on a white and beige checkered cloth beside the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the dish even more, add fresh garnishes like sliced jalapeños for a kick, creamy avocado slices for richness, vibrant cilantro for freshness, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to cool the spice while adding extra protein. These toppings make every bite exciting and visually inviting.

Side Dishes

This hearty one-pot wonder doesn’t need much on the side, but a crisp green salad with a zesty lime dressing or some warm corn tortillas make excellent companions. They add balance and contrast to the creamy, spicy pasta without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pasta in individual tortilla bowls for a fun taco-inspired presentation or spoon it into mini bell pepper cups for a colorful appetizer twist. Pairing it with a crunchy side like roasted chickpeas can add a pleasant textural dimension, keeping every bite interesting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. This One-Pot Taco Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover taco pasta by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing. Cottage cheese maintains its creamy quality well even after freezing, which is a bonus.

Reheating

When it’s time to eat your leftovers, gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Stir frequently to evenly warm and preserve the creamy texture without overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef or chicken both work great in this recipe and will deliver rich, comforting flavors. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.

Is the cottage cheese noticeable in the flavor?

The cottage cheese blends in seamlessly, providing creaminess and protein without an overt tangy taste. When blended smooth, it enriches the dish while letting the taco spices shine.

Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?

Yes, regular pasta works perfectly too. Chickpea pasta adds extra protein and fiber, but feel free to use your family’s favorite pasta shape or type.

What can I substitute for taco seasoning?

If you don’t have a packet on hand, mix your own blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of oregano for a fresh homemade seasoning.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. This One-Pot Taco Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe makes excellent leftovers and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep lunches or dinners that save you time during the week.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Taco Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is deliciously satisfying, nourishing, and easy to make. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the joyful, comforting flavors that make it a true crowd-pleaser. Once you do, it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen rotation for stress-free, tasty meals that everyone will love.