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
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)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package guidelines for precise cooking time and texture.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground meat to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking thoroughly until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- 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.
- Allow the mixture to simmer and meld together, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Fold cooked pasta into the spiced meat mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated with sauce and ingredients.
- Sprinkle generous layer of shredded cheese across the top, covering the entire surface.
- Reduce heat to low, cover skillet and let cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and optionally garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for bright, herbaceous finish.
- 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