The Best Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a mouth-watering easy enchilada pasta recipe sparks excitement in any kitchen adventurer’s heart.

pasta lovers will adore this clever mashup of classic Mexican and Italian flavors.

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delightful dish.

Creamy, spicy, and packed with bold ingredients, it promises to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive creation.

Cheese, tender pasta, and zesty enchilada sauce combine to deliver a crowd-pleasing meal you can whip up in no time.

Dive into this culinary journey and watch everyone ask for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even use plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste preference.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the cooking process to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor and texture.

Enchilada Pasta That Brings Flavor

• Conquer One-Pot Comfort: Blast through dinner prep with this single-skillet marvel that transforms classic enchilada flavors into a hearty pasta sensation without multiple pots and pans.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Swap ingredients easily by replacing ground beef with chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein while maintaining the robust southwestern flavor profile that makes this dish irresistible.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with protein, beans, and vegetables, this recipe satisfies hungry family members with its familiar yet exciting taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Leverage affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned beans to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on deliciousness.

Ingredients To Make Enchilada Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this enchilada-inspired dish.

• Black Beans, Corn, Diced Onion: These ingredients add texture, nutrition, and a southwestern flair to the pasta.

• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that gives the pasta its signature Mexican-inspired taste.
• Broth: Helps cook the pasta and adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: These spices create a rich and complex flavor profile typical of Mexican cuisine.

• Pasta: The base of this one-pot meal that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Shredded Cheeses: Adds creaminess and a melty texture to the dish.

• Cilantro, Avocado, Sour Cream: Fresh toppings that provide additional flavor and freshness to the final dish.

Step-By-Step Enchilada Pasta Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet and cook ground beef until it turns a rich, golden brown. Use a spatula to break the meat into small crumbles, ensuring even cooking.

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

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onions to the skillet and cook until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet, delicate flavor.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the spices thoroughly to coat the meat and onions, creating a deep, robust flavor profile.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

• Black beans
• Corn
• Pasta

Gently mix everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally.

Watch for the pasta to become tender and absorb the delicious flavors, typically taking 12-15 minutes.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in a combination of shredded cheeses.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious texture that binds all the ingredients together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• A dollop of sour cream

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the burst of Mexican-inspired flavors!

Tips For Creamy Enchilada Pasta

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version of this hearty dish.
• Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility.
• Keep extra broth nearby in case pasta needs more liquid during cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
• Choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a more nutritious meal that keeps you feeling full longer.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican-style shredded cheese to add more flavor complexity to the enchilada pasta.

Variations On Enchilada Pasta To Try

• Vegetarian Enchilada Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu for a meat-free version that maintains the rich, spicy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra-hot flavor profile that brings the heat.
• One-Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick protein swap that keeps the dish's hearty essence.

Great Sides For Enchilada Pasta

• Fiesta Family Night: Transform this pasta into a fun, interactive dinner where everyone builds their own bowl with custom toppings like extra cheese, hot sauce, or fresh herbs.
• Meal Prep Champion: Package individual portions in sealed containers for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays. Stays fresh and delicious for 34 days in the refrigerator.
• Potluck Powerhouse: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, keeping it warm in a slow cooker. Guests will love the hearty, Mexican-inspired flavors that blend perfectly in one comforting pot.
• Outdoor Picnic Star: Pack this pasta in a large thermal container for park lunches or backyard barbecues. Serve chilled or slightly warm with extra toppings on the side for a portable meal.

Proper Storage For Enchilada Pasta

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for 35 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Creamy Enchilada Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired easy enchilada pasta blends comforting noodles with zesty flavors. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and spicy sauce create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) black beans, rinsed and drained

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups enchilada sauce

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large cooking vessel over medium heat, carefully eliminating any accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Introduce a blend of aromatic spices including garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s flavor profile.
4. Pour in enchilada sauce and broth, then add black beans and corn alongside uncooked pasta, thoroughly mixing all components.
5. Elevate heat to create a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 12-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Once pasta reaches optimal tenderness, remove from heat and fold in a combination of shredded cheeses until they melt completely, creating a creamy, integrated texture.
7. Transfer to serving dishes and embellish with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado slices, or a dollop of tangy sour cream to add brightness and additional layers of flavor.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Rinse black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
• Consider using whole wheat pasta to boost fiber and nutrition without compromising the hearty enchilada-style taste.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or adding diced jalapeños for spice enthusiasts who love bold flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg