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Cowboy Pasta

Cowboy Pasta
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Cowboy Pasta is a quick and hearty dish combining pasta, seasoned ground meat, fresh veggies, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers rich taste and satisfying comfort in a one-pot meal that’s easy to customize and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz dry penne or rotini pasta

Protein & Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • Optional: 1 cup black beans or corn

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or your choice)

Spices

  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep its firm texture for mixing with the sauce.
  2. Brown the Meat and Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, forming a flavorful base.
  3. Mix in Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer briefly so the spices bloom and flavors meld together.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat and add cream cheese or sour cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, which adds richness and luscious texture to the dish.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Return the drained pasta to the skillet. Fold in the shredded cheese gently, allowing it to melt and coat everything evenly. Add black beans or corn now for extra heartiness if desired.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain a firm bite that holds up in the sauce.
  • Season in layers by seasoning the meat, veggies, and sauce separately for deeper flavor.
  • Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a tasty and melty finish.
  • Let the pasta rest off heat, covered, for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for a brighter, more robust flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Pasta, quick pasta recipe, creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, one pot meal, hearty dinner, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/cowboy-pasta/