Creamy Turkey Taco Mac

Who needs Hamburger Helper when you can make homemade meals that are very similar but so much better and tastier! I can honestly say I have not cooked Hamburger Helper since I was in college over 6 years ago and I don't think I ever will make it again. Not that I have anything against it, I just think you can make most of them from scratch and it's much healthier than the boxed version. This recipe is delicious. You get that Mexican craving fix in a pasta dish. What could be any better than that? :)

This dish is very filling so no side dish is necessary. A small salad would be a great addition if you felt you needed something else.

Creamy Turkey Taco Mac
Serves: 4 to 6
Adapted by: http://smells-like-home.com/2011/03/creamy-taco-mac/

Ingredients
20 oz ground turkey breast OR ground chicken OR lean ground beef
8 oz wheat or whole grain pasta + 1 cup reserved pasta water (use any shape of pasta you desire; I used wheat penne pasta)
1 can Rotel tomatoes - I use the original but mild will be less spicy
4 tablespoons reduced sodium taco seasoning
4 oz reduced fat cream cheese
1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream OR 1/2 cup plain, nonfat Greek Yogurt - I used greek yogurt
1/2 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese plus 1/2 cup extra to throw on top
salt and pepper, to taste
sour cream, for serving - OPTIONAL

Directions
-Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to directions on the box. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
-Over medium heat, use a saute pan and brown the meat until no longer pink. Drain and return to saute pan.
-Add taco seasoning and rotel. Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
-Add cooked pasta, reserved water, cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are mixed and the cheese is melted. Simmer on low for 2 to 3 minutes.
-Season with salt and pepper, as needed.
-Serve in a bowl and sprinkle with cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top.

Enjoy! :)