Leftover Taco Meat Instant Pot Creamy Pasta Shells Recipe

Mona - Far From The Farm

October 4, 2025

Use up leftover taco meat with this creamy Instant Pot pasta recipe. Easy, quick, and family friendly for weeknight dinners!

Approximate cost $12

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Stir in the dairy 10

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex

Place the leftover taco meat right in the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. No need to preheat or sauté, just layer it in as is.
Pour the uncooked pasta shells right on top of the taco meat in a single layer. DO NOT STIR!
It may look odd not to mix it yet, but trust me, that’s how the Instant Pot cooks everything evenly.
Pour in 3 cups of water, then pour the jar of pasta sauce over the top. Again don’t stir.
Keeping the sauce on top helps the pot build pressure properly and keeps anything from sticking to the bottom.
Secure the lid and set the valve to “Seal.” Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release to release the steam.
Open the lid carefully, and you’ll already see that creamy base forming at the bottom.
Pour your milk into the empty pasta sauce jar, shake it to loosen any remaining sauce, and pour that into the pot.
Add the cream cheese cubes and stir slowly until everything melts together.
The sauce will become rich and velvety as it mixes with the pasta.
Once the sauce is thick, smooth, and coats the shells perfectly, it’s ready to serve.
Spoon into bowls, top with shredded cheese if you’d like, and enjoy that creamy, taco-flavored goodness!

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.
When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of milk or water since the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.
Heat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warm.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.