Taco Pasta

I will be feeding a crowd later this week and am looking forward to doing so. This is one of the meals I will be making. It is tasty and filling and super fast and easy. A perfect summer dinner!

Taco Pasta

1 lb med shell pasta
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 cup chopped onion
1 small jalapeno or half of a large jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced
14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 packet taco seasoning
3 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup cilantro
salt and pepper
shredded cheddar cheese

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta to al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup hot pasta water.
Meanwhile, Cook beef, onion, and jalapeno till meat is cooked and onion and jalapeno are tender. Add minced garlic and saute until 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add tomatoes and taco seasoning and simmer 3-5 minutes. Stir in cooked pasta, cream cheese, sour cream, and reserved water. Stir until blended. Season with salt and pepper and simmer about 5 minutes or until sauce thickens up.
Before serving, stir in chopped cilantro. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese.

(if you want to keep the heat level down, omit the jalapeno pepper.)

Served 6
adapted from girl who ate everything