Description

This Healthy Taco Pasta is a delicious and nutritious one-pot meal combining lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and a unique twist of pumpkin puree with classic taco seasoning. Cooked with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and topped with creamy avocado, sharp cheese, and fresh green onions, this dish offers a flavorful and wholesome dinner option perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp oil for frying
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1 lb ground turkey

Vegetables & Other Ingredients

15 oz can black beans, rinsed & drained
2 cups frozen corn
14 oz can diced tomatoes
14 oz can pumpkin puree
2 cups water
1 1/4 tsp salt
Ground black pepper to taste

Pasta & Toppings

4 cups whole wheat pasta or gluten free pasta, uncooked
1 cup (4 oz) sharp hard cheese, shredded
3 avocados, diced
1/2 cup green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare and Sauté Aromatics: Preheat a large heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Cook Ground Turkey and Season: Add the taco seasoning and ground turkey to the pot. Continue sautéing for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, and breaking the turkey into small pieces with a spatula until fully browned and cooked through.
Add Beans, Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in rinsed black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, water, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil to combine all flavors.
Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to the boiling mixture. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow to cook for 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
Finish with Toppings: Once pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Gently fold in the diced avocados. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheese and chopped green onions on top. Cover the pot again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Store: Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground turkey with an additional can of beans to make it vegetarian.
Pumpkin Substitute: Use a can of tomato sauce if you prefer not to use pumpkin puree.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg