Creamy Taco Mac

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A family friendly 20 minute meal! This is like Hamburger Helper except MUCH tastier. Creamy, flavorful, inexpensive, and {relatively} healthy. You'll be fighting over the leftovers!

I won't lie; Hamburger Helper tastes darn good. While I probably wouldn't buy it anytime soon, I'd have no issue devouring a bowl of it if someone handed it to me. Sometimes a big bowl of creamy pasta just sounds amazing. Thankfully, you can whip up this version just as quickly as the box kind! Sub in whole wheat pasta and make your own taco seasoning and it's even better for you.

This was originally shared over 4 years ago and deserved a revisit! 

Creamy Taco Mac
8 oz. dry pasta (any shape)
1¼ lbs. ground turkey
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
4 tbsp. taco seasoning
3 oz. cream cheese
½ cup sour cream
salt and pepper
shredded cheddar cheese, for topping (optional)

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until no longer pink. A few minutes before the turkey is cooked through, add the chopped onion. Once the turkey is cooked through, add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning and let simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked pasta, cream cheese, sour cream, and reserved pasta water. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended. Season with salt and pepper and simmer over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes to reduce the sauce. Remove from heat and top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Source: Annie's Eats