Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta is a vibrant and easy-to-make meal that is guaranteed to be a hit with your entire family. This flavorful dish comes together in record time thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot or pressure cooker, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights. Featuring lean ground turkey, robust taco seasoning, and the rich depth of fire-roasted tomatoes all perfectly combined with tender pasta, it offers a fun and exciting twist on traditional taco night. It’s a wholesome, hearty, and unbelievably delicious alternative that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

I know how much you appreciate quick, delicious, and family-friendly Instant Pot recipes, so I’m thrilled to share another fantastic option with you. This Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta isn’t just an easy weeknight meal; it also doubles as an excellent freezer meal, saving you time and effort down the line. It’s truly a versatile dish that caters to a busy lifestyle without compromising on flavor.

There’s something incredibly comforting about this recipe. The blend of savory turkey, zesty taco spices, and creamy pasta creates a dish that feels like a warm hug. What’s even better? The leftovers are arguably even more delicious than the first serving, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. This makes it perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you have healthy, protein-packed meals ready to go throughout the week. This Instant Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is consistently super easy, incredibly tasty, and a highly requested dish in our household.

If your family loves the bold flavors of tacos, you can think of this as a delightful, deconstructed taco pasta dish. All the familiar tastes you adore are here, but reimagined in a comforting, one-pot pasta format. It’s an innovative way to enjoy taco night without the mess of individual tortillas and endless fillings.

While this recipe specifically uses lean ground turkey for a healthier profile, it’s incredibly adaptable. You can easily substitute ground pork or ground beef if those are your preferences, ensuring the dish caters to everyone’s tastes and dietary needs.

One of my favorite aspects of this dish is the array of fresh, vibrant toppings that are added at the very end. The crunch of diced red onion, the fresh bite of green onion, juicy diced tomatoes, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, and bright cilantro all elevate the experience, adding layers of texture and flavor that truly complete the meal. Don’t skip these fresh additions!

If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out these other delicious ground turkey recipes to make soon! And for more incredible Instant Pot creations, try this Instant Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese, Instant Pot Turkey Chili, Instant Pot Chili Mac, Instant Pot Pork Chili, or this Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe. There’s an Instant Pot recipe for every craving!

Easy Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta: A Flavorful One-Pot Meal for Busy Weeknights

Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta Recipe

This Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking convenience, flavor, and wholesome goodness. Here’s why this dish will become your new go-to:

• Effortless Meal Prep: One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how easily it can be prepped in advance. Whether you’re planning your meals for the week or need to get a head start a day before serving, the Instant Pot streamlines the process, making it incredibly quick and easy. All the ingredients are robust enough to hold up beautifully for up to four days in the refrigerator, and the flavors only deepen and meld together over time, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Even Better Leftovers: It’s true – some dishes just taste better the next day, and this taco pasta is definitely one of them. The spices have more time to infuse into the pasta and turkey, creating an even richer flavor profile. I highly recommend portioning out your leftovers into individual containers. This makes grabbing a quick, protein-packed, and satisfying meal incredibly convenient, whether for a workday lunch or a speedy dinner.
• Minimal Clean-Up: Hate doing dishes? Then you’ll love the Instant Pot! This recipe truly lives up to the “one-pot meal” promise. Everything, from browning the turkey to cooking the pasta, happens in a single pot. This significantly reduces your clean-up time, allowing you to enjoy your meal and relax, rather than spending ages scrubbing pots and pans. You can often have your Instant Pot sparkling clean in less than 5 minutes!
• Healthy & Flavorful: Using lean ground turkey makes this a lighter alternative to traditional beef-based taco dishes, without sacrificing any of the delicious, zesty flavor. Paired with fresh vegetables and wholesome pasta, it’s a balanced meal that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.
• Customizable for All Tastes: This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to various dietary preferences and picky eaters. Whether you want to adjust the spice level, add more vegetables, or swap out the protein, this pasta dish provides a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Essential Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this delicious Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:

• Ground Turkey: I typically opt for lean ground turkey in this dish to keep it lighter and healthier, but it still delivers fantastic flavor. For a richer taste, you could use ground beef (80/20 is a good choice) or ground pork. If you do use beef or pork, be sure to drain any excess fat after browning it in the Instant Pot to prevent the dish from becoming greasy. With lean turkey, draining is usually unnecessary.
• Corn: Frozen sweet corn is my go-to for convenience, adding a touch of sweetness and texture that complements the savory taco flavors. You can easily substitute with canned corn (drained) or even fresh corn cut from the cob when in season. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit if corn isn’t your preference.
• Taco Seasoning: This is where the iconic taco flavor truly shines! Taco seasoning brings a complex blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices that are essential for this dish. You can use your favorite store-bought brand for ease, or consider making a homemade version like this Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe to control the spice level and sodium content.
• Broth: Broth serves two crucial purposes: it helps deglaze the Instant Pot after sautéing, ensuring no bits are stuck to the bottom (which can cause a “burn” warning), and it provides the necessary liquid to perfectly cook the pasta. Chicken broth is a versatile choice, but you can also use vegetable broth or beef broth, depending on your dietary preferences or the type of ground meat you’ve chosen.
• Fire Roasted Tomatoes: I absolutely adore the smoky, slightly charred flavor that fire-roasted diced tomatoes impart to Mexican-style dishes. They add a wonderful depth that elevates the entire pasta. However, if you don’t have them on hand, regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine and will still contribute a fresh, acidic balance to the dish.
• Pasta: For this one-pot pasta, I find that smaller or medium-sized pasta shapes work best, as they cook evenly and integrate well with the other ingredients. Elbow macaroni is a classic and a personal favorite for its comforting shape, but penne, rotini, or even small shells would also be excellent choices. Break longer pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine into smaller pieces if using.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a wonderfully tangy and melty finish to this dish. I highly recommend using freshly shredded cheddar over pre-shredded varieties. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and has a superior texture and flavor, making a noticeable difference in the final product.

You’ll find the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements in the recipe card below.

Creative Ways to Modify This Turkey Taco Pasta

One of the best things about this Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta is its incredible versatility. Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ways to modify this dish:

• Beans: Adding beans is a fantastic way to boost the fiber and protein content of this pasta dish. I find that black beans, pinto beans, or red kidney beans work exceptionally well, contributing a creamy texture and earthy flavor. Simply rinse and drain a can of your chosen beans and stir them in along with the corn and tomatoes before pressure cooking.
• Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can easily experiment with different cheeses to alter the flavor profile. Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick, mozzarella for a milder, stretchier melt, Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a creamy blend, or even a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for an authentic touch.
• Spices: If you prefer to skip the pre-mixed taco seasoning or want to fine-tune the flavors, you can create your own spice blend. A combination of chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder will achieve a similar delicious result. Adjust the ratios to your liking for a milder or bolder taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: My recipe calls for fire-roasted diced tomatoes, which lend a wonderful smoky depth. If you can’t find them or prefer a different flavor, regular diced tomatoes are a perfect substitute. For a little extra zing and heat, consider using diced tomatoes with green chiles.
• Veggies: This pasta is an excellent opportunity to sneak in extra vegetables! Easily add finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), poblano peppers for a mild smoky flavor, diced zucchini, or even a handful of spinach or kale (stirred in after cooking) to boost the nutritional value and texture.
• Spice Level: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the turkey mixture. If you prefer a milder dish, use a less spicy taco seasoning or reduce the amount. A few slices of fresh jalapeño as a garnish can also add a pleasant kick.
• Creamy Texture: For an even creamier pasta, stir in about 2-4 ounces of cream cheese (cut into cubes) or a splash of heavy cream after the cheese has melted. This will add a luscious richness that’s incredibly comforting.

How to Make This Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta Recipe

Making this incredibly flavorful Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a quick and delicious meal:

• Step 1: Sauté the Turkey: Begin by setting your Instant Pot or pressure cooker to the “Sauté” mode and wait for it to indicate “HOT.” Add the olive oil to the inner pot. After about 30 seconds, add the ground turkey (ground turkey) and break it apart with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully browned and no pink remains. This step is crucial for building flavor. Once browned, add the taco seasoning and stir it into the turkey until it’s evenly coated and fragrant.
• Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients: After the turkey is seasoned, add the frozen corn, chicken broth, diced fire-roasted tomatoes (including their juices), and your chosen pasta to the pot. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot. This deglazing step is important to prevent a “burn” warning. Once everything is well combined, cancel the “Sauté” mode.
• Step 3: Pressure Cook: Carefully place the pressure cooker lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Rotate the steam release valve to the “Sealed” position. Change the Instant Pot setting to “Manual High” (or “Pressure Cook High” on newer models) and set the cooking time to 4 minutes for al dente pasta. If you prefer a slightly softer pasta, you can set it for 5 minutes. I personally find 4 minutes yields the perfect texture.
• Step 4: Quick Release: Once the Instant Pot beeps, signaling that the cooking cycle is complete, immediately perform a quick release. To do this, carefully turn the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Stand clear of the valve, as a powerful stream of hot steam will be released. Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve has dropped, you can turn off the Instant Pot.
• Step 5: Add the Cheese: With the pressure safely released, gently remove the lid, keeping it pointed away from your face to avoid any residual steam. Give the taco pasta a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Immediately add the shredded cheese to the hot pasta mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and creamy, coating all the pasta and turkey.
• Step 6: Serve and Garnish: Ladle generous portions of the hot, cheesy taco pasta into bowls. Now comes the fun part – customize each serving with your favorite garnishes! Popular choices include extra shredded cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and additional diced tomatoes or red onion. Enjoy your quick, delicious, and satisfying meal!

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about making this Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta, along with helpful answers to ensure your success:

What to Serve with Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta

This Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side can truly elevate the dining experience. I particularly love serving a light, crisp salad alongside to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory pasta. Consider this bright and zesty Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, a flavorful and easy Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing, or this nutrient-packed Avocado Kale Spinach Salad.

Beyond salads, setting out a variety of fresh and tangy sides allows everyone to customize their meal even further, enhancing that “taco night” feel. Try adding a bowl of zesty Quick Pickled Red Onions for a tangy bite, a medley of crisp Quick Pickled Vegetables, a vibrant Homemade Salsa, or a fresh and chunky Homemade Pico de Gallo. These accompaniments add layers of flavor, texture, and freshness that perfectly complement the creamy pasta.

Craving a different kind of pasta dish for another night? Don’t miss this comforting Italian Sausage Pasta Bake or this incredibly flavorful One Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta. Both are excellent choices for satisfying your pasta cravings!

If you try this delightful recipe, please take a moment to leave me a star rating and comment below, sharing your experience! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @acedarspoon for more delicious and inspiring recipes delivered right to your feed!

Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest.

Tap to rate the recipe

4.58 from 45 votes

Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta

By Julia Jolliff

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 cups

Save
Saved
Pin
Print

Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta is a zesty meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients 

For the Pasta

• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 1 pound ground turkey {you can use ground beef or pork-drain any fat after sautéing }
• ▢ 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• ▢ 1 cup frozen sweet corn
• ▢ 2 cups chicken broth
• ▢ 1 – 14.5 ounce can of fired roasted diced tomatoes including juices
• ▢ 8 ounces pasta of your choice, uncooked {smaller pasta works best, half of a 16 ounce box}
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded {or cheese of your choice}

Garnishes::

• ▢ Freshly chopped cilantro
• ▢ Freshly chopped green onion
• ▢ Sour cream
• ▢ Chopped red onion
• ▢ Extra cheese
• ▢ Fresh salsa
• ▢ Shredded lettuce

Instructions 

• Set your Instant Pot or your pressure cooker to sauté and wait until it shows HOT. Add the olive oil and after 30 seconds add the ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is browned. Add the taco seasoning and stir until combined.
• Add the frozen corn, chicken broth, diced tomatoes and pasta and stir well making sure to get any browned bits off of the bottom of the instant pot. Cancel the sauté mode.
• Put the pressure cooker lid on and set the steam release knob to the sealed position.
• Change the Instant Pot to MANUAL HIGH and set the time to 4 minutes for al dente pasta or 5 minutes for a softer, more cooked pasta {I do 4 minutes}.
• When the Instant Pot beeps showing that it is done, do a quick release. Once all of the pressure/steam is please turn off the Instant Pot.
• Remove the lid keeping the lid pointed away from you and stir the taco pasta together.
• Add the cheese to the pasta mixture and let the cheese melt.
• Serve the taco pasta in bowls with garnishes.

Notes

• Feel free to use ground beef if you like for this recipe. I would suggest using 80/20 when it comes to the ground beef. Depending on the type of ground beef you use you may have to drain the excess fat after browning it. The learner ground beef won’t need to be drained.
• You can use regular diced tomatoes instead of the fire roasted tomatoes.
• Smaller pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or ditalini cook best and integrate seamlessly in this one-pot method. If using longer pasta, break it into smaller pieces.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 438mg, Potassium: 306mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 341IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 162mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @acedarspoon or tag #acedarspoon!