Cook the Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Taco Meat

1. Brown the Meat: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the meat and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

Add Seasonings and Sauces

1. Add Taco Seasoning and Salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, then add the diced tomatoes (if using). Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors.

Combine Pasta and Meat

1. Combine the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring it into the meat mixture. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
2. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy.

Serve and Garnish

1. Top with Sour Cream and Cilantro: Spoon the taco pasta onto plates and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.