Macro Friendly Taco Spaghetti
If you’re looking for a deliciously unique twist on classic spaghetti, then this Macro Friendly Taco Spaghetti is the dish for you! Combining the beloved flavors of tacos with the comforting familiarity of spaghetti, this recipe is not only flavorful but also packed with protein and lower in fat. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that your family will love and that you can enjoy guilt-free.
With ground turkey and protein-packed pasta, this dish is designed to keep you satisfied without sacrificing taste. Let’s dive into the details of what makes this recipe so special, and how you can whip it up in no time!
What Makes This Recipe Special
The Macro Friendly Taco Spaghetti brings together the best of both worlds: the savory spices of taco seasoning and the heartiness of spaghetti. Each serving is rich in protein thanks to the ground turkey and Barilla Protein Plus Spaghetti, making it a nutritious option for those watching their macros. Plus, the addition of fat-free evaporated milk creates a creamy texture without the calories of heavy cream. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
The Essentials
To make this Macro Friendly Taco Spaghetti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey (99% fat-free)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1.25 oz taco seasoning
- 10 oz can of Rotel (I used Mild)
- 3 cups chicken stock or broth
- 8 oz Barilla Protein Plus Spaghetti (broken into 1-inch pieces)
- 12 oz fat-free evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 oz grated cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
- 1/2 cup corn
- 2 green onions, chopped
Before You Start: Equipment
Before you begin cooking, gather the following equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for sautéing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Colander for draining pasta
Macro Friendly Taco Spaghetti Made Stepwise
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic until they are translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Rotel
Stir in the taco seasoning and the can of Rotel, including the juices. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Prepare the Pasta
While the turkey mixture simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Barilla Protein Plus Spaghetti broken into 1-inch pieces and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fat-free evaporated milk and all-purpose flour until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the turkey and taco mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Allow it to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the corn. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the creamy taco sauce.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Garnish
Macro Friendly Taco Spaghetti
This Macro Friendly Taco Spaghetti is a delicious twist on a classic! Packed with protein and flavor, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic until they are translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and the can of Rotel, including the juices. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- While the turkey mixture simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Barilla Protein Plus Spaghetti broken into 1-inch pieces and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the fat-free evaporated milk and all-purpose flour until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the turkey and taco mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Allow it to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the corn. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the creamy taco sauce.
- Add cheese and garnish as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, use hot Rotel or add jalapeños.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Macro Friendly Taco Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic until they are translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and the can of Rotel, including the juices. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- While the turkey mixture simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Barilla Protein Plus Spaghetti broken into 1-inch pieces and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the fat-free evaporated milk and all-purpose flour until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the turkey and taco mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Allow it to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the corn. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the creamy taco sauce.
- Add cheese and garnish as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, use hot Rotel or add jalapeños.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
