Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Twist on Dinner Favorites

Mexican cuisine lovers find this enchilada pasta recipe a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Creamy textures merge with bold spices in a spectacular one-pot meal.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that comfort and excite.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this dish delivers unexpected deliciousness.

Cheesy, zesty notes promise a culinary adventure that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Pasta transforms into a mexicana-inspired masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Dive in and savor every single bite of this mouthwatering creation.

Enchilada Pasta Blends Bold Flavors Into One Pot

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: This one-skillet meal transforms traditional enchiladas into a comforting pasta dish that saves precious time after a long day.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Kids and adults will love the familiar tastes of Mexican-inspired ingredients combined with classic pasta, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone's cravings.
• Versatile Protein Options: Easily swap ground beef for chicken or try a vegetarian version with plant-based protein, allowing flexibility for different dietary preferences and kitchen needs.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Using affordable ingredients like canned beans, tomatoes, and pantry spices creates a delicious meal that's economical and filling without sacrificing taste.

Enchilada Pasta Recipe Essentials

• Pasta, Ground Beef or Chicken: The foundation of the dish, providing hearty texture and main source of protein. Choose penne or rotini for best sauce absorption. Ground beef offers rich flavor, while chicken provides a leaner option.

• Enchilada Sauce, Black Beans, Diced Tomatoes, Corn Kernels: Creates a robust, Mexican-inspired flavor profile with balanced moisture and additional protein. Select low-sodium beans for better salt control. Canned tomatoes and corn add convenience and consistent taste.

• Onion, Garlic, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper, Cilantro, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Provides depth of flavor and traditional Mexican-style seasoning. Fresh garlic and onion enhance overall taste. Cumin and chili powder offer authentic warmth. Cheese adds creaminess, while cilantro and sour cream create fresh, tangy finishing touches. Use cheddar or Mexican blend cheese for maximum flavor complexity.

Enchilada Pasta Instructions Overview

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water following package directions.

Drain thoroughly and set aside in a colander.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics and Protein

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Add ground protein and cook until completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Create Zesty Sauce Base

• Enchilada sauce
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Corn kernels
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the mixture for 6-8 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour cooked pasta into the skillet and stir thoroughly, ensuring every pasta piece gets coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta mixture.

Stir gently until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove skillet from heat.

Top with fresh chopped cilantro.

Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Enchilada Pasta – Simple Tips For Sauce And Noodles

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles to suit different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to make the dish mild or extra spicy, catering to individual heat tolerances.
• Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding cheese to prevent overcooking and ensure smooth, creamy texture throughout the pasta.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent pasta from drying out.

Guide to Keeping and Reheating Enchilada Pasta Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze in sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Enchilada Pasta Best Matches

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Whip up classic lime margaritas that cut through the rich, spicy flavors of the enchilada pasta, creating a perfect Mexican-inspired meal.
• Create Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a crisp Mexican-style salad with mixed greens, avocado, tomatoes, and a light lime vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish.
• Complement with Refreshing Sangria: Mix a fruity red sangria loaded with citrus and berries to enhance the meal's vibrant southwestern profile and cool down the spice.
• Select Craft Mexican Beer: Choose a light, crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona that refreshes the palate and complements the dish's bold flavors.

Enchilada Pasta Bold Filling Suggestions

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef or chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a meat-free alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities while keeping the enchilada-inspired seasoning intact.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, or incorporate hot sauce for heat lovers seeking an extra spicy version of the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while preserving the rich, southwestern-style taste profile.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace ground beef or chicken with plant-based meat alternatives, tofu, or additional beans like kidney or pinto beans for protein.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin. You can adjust heat by using mild enchilada sauce or adding more chili powder for extra kick.

• What type of pasta works best?

Rotini, penne, or medium shells are ideal because their shapes hold sauce well and mix easily with other ingredients.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground meat, whole wheat pasta, reduce cheese quantity, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

Enchilada Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty enchilada pasta brings Mexican-inspired comfort right to dinner tables with creamy, spicy goodness. Home cooks will savor this quick one-pot meal packed with bold flavors and satisfying ingredients you can enjoy in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef or chicken
• 8 ounces (8 oz) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup enchilada sauce

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame, gently sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground meat, browning thoroughly while breaking into small crumbles for even cooking.
4. Pour enchilada sauce into skillet, then incorporate black beans, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Allow mixture to simmer, developing rich flavors and slightly thickening sauce for approximately 5-6 minutes.
6. Fold cooked pasta into spiced meat mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coating of each pasta piece.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese across surface, gently stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy consistency.
8. Remove skillet from heat, letting residual warmth complete final cheese integration.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and dollop of cool sour cream before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that keeps protein levels high.
• For gluten-sensitive diners, use gluten-free pasta and verify enchilada sauce ingredients are wheat-free.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the simmering stage for more color and vitamins.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or using mild enchilada sauce for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg