Creamy Taco Mac

By Texaschef11

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped small
• 1 red pepper, chopped small
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped small
• Table salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
• 16 ounces dry pasta
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 2 15 oz cans black beans, drained
• 4 oz light cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons cilantro
• 1 avocado, diced (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt and cook until the onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and spices and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

2. Add the pasta, diced tomatoes with juices, water, and beans. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.

3. Stir in the cream cheese until melted. Cover and simmer over low heat until heated, 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and avocado, if using. Serve