144.2…Creamy Taco Mac

When I was growing up, there were several dinners that my mom made that I went nuts for. Spaghetti, meatloaf and Hamburger Helper were top of the list. Yes, Hamburger Helper. When I see those boxes in the grocery store, it still makes me smile. Nowadays, it's rare for me to make something out of a box. I really like to make meals from as fresh as ingredients as possible. Sometimes I'm lazy and open up a can or a box of something though. I mean, come on. Let's be real. We are all busy.

Last night I threw together this wonderful pasta dish that reminded me of those glory days of Hamburger Helper but this version was a bit healthier and made with real ingredients. My son liked it too which is always a bonus!

Creamy Taco Mac (Serves 4)

Recipe slightly adapted from Smells Like Home 

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey or chicken

8 oz. dry pasta plus 1 cup reserved pasta water

1 can (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes, undrained

1 taco seasoning packet (or about 4 Tbsp. of homemade taco seasoning)

4 oz. cream cheese (low fat is ok)

1/2 cup sour cream (low fat is ok)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (low fat is ok)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, then cook pasta per directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water.

2. Over medium heat, brown ground turkey until no longer pink. 

3. Add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Allow to simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. 

4. Add cooked pasta, reserved water, cream cheese, sour cream and cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir until cheeses are melted and incorporated. 

5. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, as needed. 

Printable Recipe

This morning's breakfast was pineapple Chobani yogurt, Almond Coconut Granola, strawberries and raspberries. 

I took the kids to school, went to a PTO meeting then to the gym for an hour of cardio. Four days in a row at the gym. Feel free to stand up and applaud. 

Lunch was my favorite tuna salad on a bed of greens. 

I have another meeting this afternoon plus kid's sports lessons. Is it the weekend yet!?!

Were there any foods that you loved as a child that you're not proud to admit to? 

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