Craving a meal that's lightning-fast, incredibly delicious, and packed with flavor? Look no further than this game-changing Vegetarian Taco Pasta made in your Instant Pot! Imagine combining the zesty kick of Mexican-inspired tacos with the comfort of creamy pasta - all ready in just 20 minutes. This recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds (and begging for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by draining black beans and corn, dicing bell peppers and tomatoes, and measuring out vegetable broth and taco seasoning.
- Add pasta, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and vegetable broth into the Instant Pot. Stir ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select Manual or Pressure Cook mode.
- Cook on high pressure for 4-5 minutes, depending on pasta type. For most pasta shapes, 4 minutes works perfectly.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the valve to venting position.
- Open the lid and stir the pasta mixture. If sauce seems too liquid, let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt into the hot pasta mixture.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices.
Tips
- Pasta Precision: Choose pasta shapes that cook quickly, like rotini or small shells, to ensure perfect texture in your Instant Pot.
- Liquid Matters: Always use the exact amount of vegetable broth to prevent burning or undercooked pasta. The liquid helps create a creamy sauce while cooking.
- Cheese Hack: For maximum melting, remove the pot from heat and sprinkle cheese immediately after cooking. The residual heat will create a perfect, gooey topping.
- Customize Your Taco Pasta: Feel free to add protein alternatives like plant-based crumbles or swap out vegetables based on what's in your fridge.
- Quick Release is Key: Perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking the pasta and maintain its ideal al dente texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch leftovers or make-ahead meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
