Description
Mexican-inspired Enchilada Pasta blends comfort and zest in one irresistible dish. Creamy noodles dance with spicy flavors, promising a quick dinner solution that delights hungry families and satisfies your craving for bold southwestern cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) diced green chilies
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt (for boiling pasta water)
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Optional Garnishes:
- Sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced black olives
Instructions
- Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, then set aside in a colander to drain thoroughly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and sauté ground beef with diced onions until meat is completely browned and crumbled.
- Eliminate excess grease from the meat mixture by carefully draining fat through a strainer.
- Introduce enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and traditional Mexican spices like chili powder and cumin into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper for robust flavor profile.
- Incorporate cooked pasta, rinsed black beans, and sweet corn kernels into the meat mixture, gently folding ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer for 6-8 minutes, allowing spices to meld and intensify the overall taste.
- Remove skillet from heat and fold in shredded cheese and creamy sour cream until sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Transfer pasta to serving dishes immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese sprinkles or fresh chopped cilantro for vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version of the dish.
- Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the simmering stage.
- Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or using mild enchilada sauce for sensitive palates.
- Prepare this meal ahead of time and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture and prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg