I have somewhat of an obsession with one-pot pasta. It’s the dish I turn to when I haven’t made a plan for dinner and I want to get something on the table in under thirty minutes because it never fails and it only dirties one dish. (And also – hello, it’s delicious.) There are countless varieties you can turn to (chili mac, stroganoff style, cheesy shells) but when I’m in the mood for something with some zest and zip, this One Pot Taco Pasta is where it’s at. It’s done in twenty minutes and has a tasty taco-inspired mild spiciness that the whole family loves.

So yes, it’s true, this pasta is entirely one pot. As in, the pasta cooks in the sauce. How’s that for easy? You simply start by browning your ground beef with some onion and garlic and adding the rest of the goodies in to simmer together.

That includes taco seasoning and salsa, which are the main parties responsible for the flavor here. That also means you can pick varieties with the level of spiciness and flavor you love. The mildest of taco seasonings? That works fine. Fire-roasted salsa? Go for it. Habañero salsa? You must be brave!

Chicken broth and shell pasta join those guys in the pot and everything simmers until the pasta is tender. Since the pasta releases some starch and absorbs most of the liquid, it creates its own sauce without you having to do any extra work. And, of course, there’s grated Monterey Jack and cheddar to bind everything together and add some comforting cheesiness. Yum!