Easy 30 minute chipotle in adobo sauce ground turkey taco pasta

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This easy ground turkey taco pasta is perfect for any weeknight when you need to use up leftovers from taco tuesday. It utilizes a smoky chipotle in adobo sauce to elevate this dish to another level. With a dollop of crema at the end it's a perfect contrast between creamy and savory. This recipe reminds me of one of my favorites growing up called Johnny Marzetti; however, this one is quicker to make with a Tex-Mex twist.

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How I developed this recipe

Often times the pantry is the best source of inspiration and this time I relied on an old staple of chipotle in adobo sauce. If you like them a lot, I recommend using it combined with either sour cream or mayo for a taco or sandwich spread. Of all the Mexican pantry staples, I would say this is the most heavily applicable for Tex-Mex. It’s also a versatile and affordable flavor booster. Nearby in the pantry is the always handy instant taco seasoning packet. I should note that this packet is going to lean further into an Americanized interpretation of tacos.

What makes this recipe different than others online?

This recipe assumes you have already made your taco filling and need to whip up a quick weeknight dinner. It’s also going to cater toward a flavor palette that is more receptive to new flavors from Mexican cuisine. It’s a great meal to begin your exploration into more authentic Mexican foods.

Why it works

The smokiness from the chipotle in adobo sauce contrasts the creaminess of the cheese to create a really captivating final product. The taco seasoning mix fits in really well with the flavor profile of this pasta as well.

Key Ingredients Defined

Chipotle in Adobo Sauce
A pantry staple in our kitchen. They are jalapeno peppers that were smoked, dried and finally rehydrated before being put into a can.
Poblano Pepper
A flavorful pepper that slightly resembles a bell pepper and packed full of more flavor.
Taco Seasoning Mix
You can find this at any American supermarket and follow the directions on the back to get your tacos made in a jiffy. Choose whatever brand you like. There are tons of options.
Shredded Cheese
I like to use a blend of chihuahua, cheddar and pepper jack. Really, this differs on what you like. I would also consider the "Mexican" shredded blend a good place to start.
Crema or Sour Cream
In Chicago there are tons of choices for' 'crema'. There are versions that are labeled for each region in Latin America here. You can find a crema from El Salvador or Oaxaca, Mexico in the stores here. Depending on where you live, this might differ. I would recommend sour cream as the most basic lime; however, if you opt for a traditional sour cream I would add some lime. The Latin American cremas typically have a lot more of an acidic punch than North American sour creams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have access to Chipotle in Adobo Sauce?

Look for the powdered version in the spice aisle. If you can't find that, then opt for paprika. The paprika will render a much milder result. It will still be slightly smoky.

What if I don't like Chipotle in Adobo Sauce??

Opt for paprika and a more mild tomato based salsa. A salsa ranchera would do the trick. They're often sold in jars in the grocery store. Variety will differ depending on your geographic location.

What should I do with leftover Chipotle in Adobo Sauce?

There's a ton to do with this ingredient. Use it with mayo for sandwich spreads or add it to sour cream to accompany tacos.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Try out our easy Black Bean and Corn Salad. We use an elote seasoning in it that makes it stand out.

What pasta should I use?

Penne or shells would work great. Any similar sized pasta would do the trick. Use what you have available. The point of this recipe is to leverage what you have on hand

Recipe Card

Easy 30 minute chipotle in adobo sauce ground turkey taco pasta
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Easy 30 minute chipotle in adobo sauce ground turkey taco pasta

Course: DinnerCuisine: Tex-mexDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

This easy ground turkey taco pasta is perfect for any weeknight when you need to use up leftovers from taco tuesday. It utilizes a smoky chipotle in adobo sauce to elevate this dish to another level. With a dollop of crema at the end it's a perfect contrast between creamy and savory.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cooked Ground Turkey leftover from your previous taco night

  • 1/2 cup pureed Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

  • 1/2 pound of pasta of your choosing

  • 1 poblano pepper diced

  • 1 cup of yellow onion diced

  • 1 cup of shredded cheese of your choosing

  • salt to taste

  • Crema or sour cream as a finishing touch (optional)

Directions

  • Start with dicing your yellow onion and poblano pepper. Set aside in a small container.

  • Open your chipotle in adobo sauce and place in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth.

  • Heat up your water for pasta in a small pot. Salt your water and allow it to come to a boil.

  • Meanwhile while the water comes to a boil, heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer add your pepper and yellow onion.

  • Once the water is boiling add the pasta and cook according to package directions

  • Once the onions and peppers are slightly cooked down (4 to 5 miniutes) add your cooked meat and chipotle sauce. Allow it to heat through fully.

  • Once your pasta is cooked through, drain it and add to the skilled with onions, peppers and chipotle sauce.

  • Add your shredded cheese and mix over the heat to ensure melty goodness

  • Scoop out the pasta into a bowl and garnish with your crema or sour cream.