Everyone needs an easy standby dinner recipe that pleases the crowd. This Skinny Cheesy Taco Pasta is my go-to meal. Not only is it yummy, but it is cheap and easy to make. I have made this a few times now, and have tried a few variations as listed below. All of the variations keep it low in points and satisfying!
Skinny Cheesy Taco Pasta
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I started out hoping to duplicate an easy meal kit. Wanting convenience while also wanting something that is pretty healthy is a must these days. Since I try to stick with plant-based or vegetarian meals, it can be harder for me to make meals like that. Of course, this one gives some options that make it super easy to manage! The guys like my favorite Gardein Ultimate Beefless Crumbles, and if I am not eating with them, I can use ground turkey!
Using Weight Watchers branded products isn't something I recommend often. It can be tough to locate and can be expensive. That said, for the cheesy option in this recipe, I recommend using the Weight Watchers Gourmet Sauce Singles in Jalapeno Queso. They are good, convenient, and only 1 point each which makes them fit this recipe ideally! You can buy them at the Weight Watchers Online Shop, in your local meeting location, or from some vendors on Amazon. If you can't find these packets, I have included a different substitute cheese option.
Ingredients for Skinny Cheesy Taco Pasta:
1 pound 99% fat-free ground turkey or 1 package Gardein Ultimate Meatless Crumbles
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 packet Taco Seasoning
1 can black beans, drained
4 Roma tomatoes, diced and divided
16 ounces whole wheat medium shell pasta
½ cup broth (vegetable, beef, or chicken - your choice)
3 packets Weight Watchers Gourmet Sauces Jalapeno Queso
4 slices Velveeta Original Cheese product
Note: If Weight Watchers sauces are not available, use 7 slices of Velveeta Original Cheese product and ½ cup salsa for the same points and flavor
Directions for Skinny Cheesy Taco Pasta:
Prepare pasta as directed on box. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat ground turkey (or meatless crumbles) until cooked through. Usually, about 7 minutes or until no pink is visible in ground meat. If using meatless crumbles, until heated through.
Mix in taco seasoning, garlic, black beans, and 2 diced tomatoes. Stir well and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add in drained pasta, cheese sauce, and broth. Mix well until heated through.
Serve topped with remaining tomatoes. Can add lettuce, fresh onion, or fat-free sour cream if desired.
- 1 pound 99% fat-free ground turkey or 1 package Gardein Ultimate Meatless Crumbles
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced and divided
- 16 ounces whole wheat medium shell pasta
- ½ cup broth (vegetable, beef, or chicken - your choice)
- 3 packets Weight Watchers Gourmet Sauces Jalapeno Queso
- 4 slices Velveeta Original Cheese product
- Note: If Weight Watchers sauces are not available, use 7 slices of Velveeta Original Cheese product and ½ cup salsa for the same points and flavor
- Prepare pasta as directed on box. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat ground turkey (or meatless crumbles) until cooked through. Usually, about 7 minutes or until no pink is visible in ground meat. If using meatless crumbles, until heated through.
- Mix in taco seasoning, garlic, black beans, and 2 diced tomatoes. Stir well and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add in drained pasta, cheese sauce, and broth. Mix well until heated through.
- Serve topped with remaining tomatoes. Can add lettuce, fresh onion, or fat-free sour cream if desired.
Makes 8 servings
1 ¾ cup per serving
6 SmartPoints per serving on Weight Watchers FreeStyle, Flex, and Your Way Plans
8 SmartPoints per serving on Weight Watchers Beyond the Scale Plan
8 PointsPlus per serving
I fix all of the classic taco toppings with this meal. We add tomatoes, lettuce, green onion, and sometimes if points allow fat-free sour cream. It is such an easy and delicious all in one meal, and the Wee Child loves it! Any easy meal I can make that is healthier and he will eat, I call that a win! Making our skinny cheesy taco pasta is just one of my favorite low point ways to make mealtime more fun!
If you are looking for more great recipes, don't forget to join our Weight Watchers Support Group on Facebook!
More Weight Watchers Pasta Dishes:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Instant Pot Italian Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Skinny Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Weight Watchers Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Weight Watchers SmartPoints Spaghetti Recipe
- Lightened Up Homemade Lasagna Dish
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