Cheesy Taco Pasta A Weeknight Winner - Taste Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 8 cups (1.9 L) water
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) taco seasoning
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (115g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Diced tomatoes (optional)
• Shredded lettuce (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Guacamole (optional)
• Sliced black olives (optional)
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Pickled Jalapeños (optional)