Vegetarian Taco Pasta

Jump To Recipe by Liz Thomson November 16, 2020 This post may contain affiliate links.

This one-pan vegetarian taco pasta has all your favorite taco flavors in one dish! Spicy salsa, black beans, corn, and avocado turn your pasta night into a fiesta of flavors!

I think my family and I could eat tacos every day. There’s just something comforting about the familiar flavors of black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese. This vegetarian taco pasta takes all those delicious flavors and combines them in an easy one-pot pasta recipe!

Taco Pasta Ingredients

Pasta– I prefer a short shape like elbow or rotini, as that’s the easiest to mix with the other ingredients.
Salsa– I like chunky red salsa. I recommend a mild salsa unless you want to make it spicy!
Vegetable broth– I recommend a low sodium broth, so you can keep the saltiness in check.
Black beans– Be sure to drain and rinse the beans.
Corn– If using canned corn, be sure to drain the corn before adding it to the skillet.
Taco seasoning- Feel free to use storebought or try this homemade taco seasoning recipe!
Cream cheese– A little cream cheese makes this pasta super rich and creamy.
Cheddar cheese– You can use shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
Avocado– Creamy avocado is my favorite taco topping and it’s delicious on top of this pasta dish!
Crushed tortilla chips– A salty crunch is the perfect way to complete this dish!

How to Make Taco Pasta

Add the elbow pasta, water, salsa, black beans, corn, and spices to a large pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 8-9 minutes or until the pasta has absorbed the water.

While the pasta is still warm, stir in the cream cheese and sprinkle with freshly shredded cheese. Stir then let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Once the cheese is melted, top with chopped avocado, crushed tortilla chips, and additional salsa.

The Best Pasta for Taco Pasta

I recommend using small, short noodles like macaroni or rotini. You can use gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free. Using chickpea pasta is a great way to add more plant-based protein and fiber to this recipe!

The Best Taco Seasoning

I love Trader Joe’s taco seasoning or McCormick’s seasoning blend. You can even order taco seasoning on Amazon! I also have a recipe for homemade taco seasoning, if you want to make your own. If you want to keep the salt in check, I recommend making your own.

Additional Topping Ideas

Feel free to get creative with toppings! I love adding a little hot sauce or salsa. You could also add a drizzle of this creamy cilantro sauce which is packed with flavor! Or add a scoop of my Street Corn Salad to this dish to take it to the next level!

How to Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, divide into portions and microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until heated. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet on the stove. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the leftovers dry out while heating. I recommend waiting to add the avocado until you’re ready to eat. Do not heat the avocado or it can become bitter.

More Taco Inspired Recipes

Mexican Lasagna– Layers of cheese, tortillas, and beans create a delicious casserole with my favorite taco flavors!
Quinoa Taco Skillet– This easy quinoa taco skillet is loaded with good for you ingredients that are perfect for taco night!
Mexican Quinoa Bake– This easy casserole is a great one-pan complete meal filled with vegetables!
Pinto Bean Soup– This simple soup is made with canned pinto beans and is surprisingly filling! It’s loaded with flavor but it’s completely vegan.