Best Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Sizzling Enchilada Pasta Recipe: A Fiery Fusion of Flavors

Spicy and creamy enchilada pasta combines two comfort food favorites in one irresistible dish.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your plate with zesty seasonings and rich textures.

Cheese melts perfectly between tender pasta shells, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you blend traditional enchilada ingredients with classic pasta.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises to become a new household staple.

pasta lovers and Mexican cuisine enthusiasts will absolutely adore this unexpected culinary mashup.

Dive into a meal that guarantees smiles and clean plates.

Reasons to Enjoy Enchilada Pasta Recipe

  • Savor Speedy Comfort: This one-pot wonder delivers rich, hearty flavors without complicated cooking steps, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
  • Customize Your Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef with chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative to suit different dietary preferences and taste buds.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Fusion: Blending classic Mexican enchilada flavors with pasta creates an exciting twist that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a traditional dish into a crowd-favorite meal.
  • Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using just one skillet means less washing up, allowing you to spend more quality time enjoying your delicious dinner instead of standing at the sink.

Key Ingredients for Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein for this pasta dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic: These ingredients provide a robust and fragrant base for the recipe.
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth and warmth to the dish.
Liquid and Cheese Components:
  • Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that gives the pasta its signature Mexican-inspired flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Helps to cook the pasta and adds additional savory notes.
  • Uncooked Pasta: The main carbohydrate that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt and create a rich, smooth texture.
  • Sour Cream: Optional ingredient that adds a tangy and creamy finish to the dish.
Garnish:
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright, clean flavor to the finished pasta.

How to Cook Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown The Protein

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat transforms from pink to a rich, golden brown color.

Carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Toss diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet.

Let them dance and soften, releasing their fragrant oils and creating a delicious base for the dish.

Step 3: Spice Up The Flavor

Sprinkle in a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Stir quickly to toast the spices and unlock their deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Create The Saucy Base

Pour enchilada sauce and broth into the skillet.

Add uncooked pasta and stir gently. Cover and let the mixture simmer, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious liquid and become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Melt The Cheese

Remove the lid and introduce a cascade of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture that coats every inch of the pasta.

Step 6: Finish And Garnish

Optional: Swirl in sour cream for extra richness. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of brightness.

Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot and irresistibly creamy.

Helpful Tips for Enchilada Pasta Recipe

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or using mild enchilada sauce for sensitive palates.
  • Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring occasionally during the cooking process and ensuring enough liquid is present.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the pasta.
  • Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.

Flavor Variations for Enchilada Pasta Recipe

  • Vegetarian Enchilada Pasta: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for a meatless version that's packed with protein and flavor.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Enchilada Pasta: Add diced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat and give the dish an extra fiery edge.
  • Chicken Enchilada Pasta: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option that still delivers rich taste.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pairing Suggestions for Enchilada Pasta Recipe

  • Fiesta Night Centerpiece: Serve this enchilada pasta as the star of your dinner party, surrounded by warm tortillas and fresh salsa for a vibrant, interactive meal that gets everyone excited.
  • Nacho-Style Topping Adventure: Sprinkle crispy tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and extra cheese on top to create a crunchy, layered texture that transforms the dish into a crowd-pleasing creation.
  • Comfort Bowl Remix: Ladle the creamy pasta into individual serving bowls, top with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge for a personalized comfort food experience that feels both familiar and exciting.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack portions in sealed containers for quick lunches, adding a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs right before eating to keep the flavors bright and appetizing.

Storage Tips for Enchilada Pasta Recipe

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Store pasta in a shallow container to help it cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for extended periods.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein alternative and will absorb the same delicious enchilada spices.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin. You can adjust heat by adding more or less chili powder, or including diced jalapeños for extra kick.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the uncooked pasta cooks directly in the enchilada sauce and broth, absorbing flavors and creating a one-pot meal with less cleanup.

  • What cheese works best if I don't have cheddar and Monterey Jack?

Mexican blend cheese, pepper jack, or a combination of any melting cheeses like mozzarella and monterey jack will work great in this recipe.

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Best Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Best Enchilada Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired enchilada pasta blends comfort food classics for a hearty family dinner. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a memorable meal that satisfies hungry crowds.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Base and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, crumbling with a utensil until fully browned. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
  2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet, cooking until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle in aromatic spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toast spices for 60 seconds to enhance their flavor profile.
  4. Pour enchilada sauce and broth into the skillet, then gently fold in uncooked pasta. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, reduce heat and gradually blend shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth and fully integrated.
  6. Remove skillet from heat source and fold in sour cream for additional creaminess, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
  7. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, creating a vibrant visual and flavor finish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for spice enthusiasts.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
  • Ensure pasta is fully submerged in liquid while simmering to guarantee even cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking process and prevent overcooking, maintaining perfect al dente texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 565 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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