Meximelt Pasta

Taco Bell apparently has this taco called the Meximelt. From what I understand, it's like a regular taco with pico de gallo. A few bloggers have posted copycat recipes of the Meximelt and I really wanted to try it without having to go to an actual Taco Bell. I ended up having leftovers and since I'm a pastaholic the first thought I had was to take the leftovers and make it into a pasta dish!

Pico de gallo just really fits with pasta. I love pico de gallo. Add in the melty cheesy goodness...oh, I am just in heaven.

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What you need:

• 1 Tbsp. EVOO
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 Taco Bell taco seasoning packet
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 to 1 jalapeno, deseeded and diced
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, diced
• Juice from 1 lime
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lb. penne
• Mexican style cheese (1 cup or so)

Directions:

1. Cook turkey in EVOO until browned; drain if necessary. Mix in taco seasoning packet plus water, as called for on packet.
2. In a bowl, mix together tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta. Drain.
4. Add ground turkey and cheese, mix in until cheese has melted.
5. Stir in prepared pico de gallo to your liking. Serve immediately.

Fantastical Original