Taco Pasta

I found this at thegirlwhoateeverything.com and couldn't wait to try it because I LOVE tacos!!! This did NOT disappoint and it is one of my favorite pasta dishes now! I did make one slight change, the original recipe called for 1 packet of taco seasoning but it was too much for me and my family, so now I just use 1/2 a packet and it is PERFECT!!

1 pound ground beef or turkey
8-12 ounces medium pasta shells or other small dry pasta shapes
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, drained (if making this for kids you might want to use just plain diced tomatoes)
1/2 packet taco seasoning
3 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream + some to place on individual servings if desired
Salt and pepper

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until no longer pink. A few minutes before the meat is cooked through, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Once the meat is cooked through, mix in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning and let simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the cooked pasta, cream cheese, sour cream and reserved pasta water, and continue stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over medium-low heat 3-5 minutes to reduce the sauce a bit if it is still too thin.

I liked topping each individual dish with a dollop of sour cream before serving. It added just the right touch for me! YUM!!