Quick & Zesty Enchilada Pasta Recipe That Kids Will Love

Crafting a mouthwatering enchilada pasta recipe sparks excitement in my kitchen every single time.

Zesty flavors dance across tender noodles, creating a perfect fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines.

Spicy chili peppers and rich tomato sauce blend seamlessly with smooth pasta shells.

Comfort meets creativity in this unexpected culinary adventure that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Melted cheese adds a creamy layer of indulgence to each delectable bite.

Quick and simple ingredients come together in less than thirty minutes.

Rush to your pantry and start cooking – this dish will become your new weeknight favorite!

Rich Flavors in Enchilada Pasta

• Boost Family Dinner Excitement: This one-pan wonder transforms classic enchilada flavors into a crowd-pleasing pasta dish that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for chicken, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to make this recipe perfectly tailored to your family's taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Prepare a delicious, hearty meal in less than 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• Comfort Food Meets Fusion: Combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines in one satisfying dish, offering a unique twist on traditional recipes that breaks the dinnertime monotony.

Essential Ingredients for Enchilada Pasta

• Pasta: A hearty base that provides substance and texture to the dish.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that adds robust flavor and heartiness to the enchilada pasta.
• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that create a flavorful foundation for the recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes, Black Beans, Corn: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and southwestern flair.

• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that adds creaminess and rich flavor to the pasta.
• Fresh Cilantro: An optional herb that provides a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Salt, Pepper, Additional Seasonings: Spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Prepare Enchilada Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook your pasta in a pot of salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Follow the package guidelines for cooking time, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Onions
• Garlic

Step 3: Brown Protein

• Ground beef
• Ground chicken

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Enchilada sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Corn
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and cover the skillet.

Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a gooey, irresistible layer.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Scatter fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and brightness.

Serve immediately while hot and steamy.

Helpful Tips for Perfecting Enchilada Pasta

• Choose al dente pasta to maintain a firm texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Adjust the heat level by selecting mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce based on your flavor preference.
• Use a blend of Mexican cheese or sharp cheddar for a more robust and authentic taste profile.
• Add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or diced avocado for added freshness and texture.

Interesting Variations on Enchilada Pasta

• Vegetarian Enchilada Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced bell peppers and zucchini for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Pasta: Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, and mix in chipotle peppers for an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Lighter Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for a leaner protein alternative.

Serving Suggestions to Pair with Enchilada Pasta

• Fiesta Family Feast: Serve this zesty pasta with warm tortillas on the side for scooping up extra sauce and adding a crispy texture.
• Fresh Flavor Boost: Top with sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance the creamy, spicy profile of the dish.
• Mexican-Style Side Kick: Pair with a crisp Mexican green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty pasta with a light, refreshing element.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this dish for potlucks, game nights, or family dinners where everyone craves a delicious, easy-to-make meal with bold southwestern flavors.

Proper Storage for Enchilada Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amount of broth or sauce to maintain moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, extra beans, or chopped bell peppers for protein.

• What kind of pasta works best?

Rotini, penne, or medium shells are ideal because they hold sauce well and catch seasonings in their curves.

• How spicy is this dish?

Mild to medium depending on enchilada sauce brand. You can control heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot sauce, or adding extra chili powder.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children enjoy cheesy pasta with mild Mexican-inspired flavors. You can reduce spice levels to make it more appealing to young palates.

Enchilada Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired enchilada pasta blends zesty flavors in a comforting one-pot meal. Hearty pasta shells combine with spicy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese for a quick family dinner that satisfies spice lovers.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne or rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef or chicken
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
• 1 cup corn
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package guidelines for precise cooking time and texture.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground meat to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking thoroughly until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. Pour enchilada sauce into the skillet, combining with diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, and sweet corn kernels; incorporate taco seasoning and chili powder for robust flavor.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld together, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
6. Fold cooked pasta into the spiced meat mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated with sauce and ingredients.
7. Sprinkle generous layer of shredded cheese across the top, covering the entire surface.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet and let cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
9. Remove from heat and optionally garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for bright, herbaceous finish.
10. Serve immediately while hot and cheese remains gooey.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and protein content.
• Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce, and customize with additional chili powder or cayenne for heat lovers.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using chickpea or gluten-free pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal without dietary restrictions.
• Prep ingredients in advance and store separately to create a quick weeknight meal that can be assembled in under 20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg