Zesty Enchilada Pasta Recipe: Fiesta Flavors in Every Bite

Creamy, zesty enchilada pasta blends two beloved comfort foods into one incredible dish that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Cheese lovers find pure magic in this unexpected culinary mashup.

Mexican-inspired flavors mingle with classic pasta ingredients for a seriously satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet exciting recipe.

Spicy undertones and rich textures create a symphony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.

Curious cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe in less than thirty minutes.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through comforting, bold ingredients that spark pure joy.

Why Enchilada Pasta Has a Bold Kick

• Quick One-Pot Dish: Whip up a delicious meal without creating a mountain of dishes, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines the beloved flavors of enchiladas and pasta into one irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Totally Customizable Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins like corn, sour cream, or extra cheese to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Beginner-Chef Friendly: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned chefs.

Enchilada Pasta Must-Have Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Pasta: Classic noodles for a comforting base.

• Enchilada Sauce: Zesty Mexican-style sauce with deep red color.
• Taco Seasoning: Warm spice blend with traditional Mexican flavors.
• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin: Optional spice alternatives for seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for sautéing ingredients.
• Broth: Flavorful liquid to cook and enhance pasta.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Creamy additions for extra richness.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable to add texture.
• Cheese: Melty topping for extra flavor and creaminess.

• Onions: Soft, aromatic vegetable for initial sautéing.

Cooking Instructions for Enchilada Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Base

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium temperature.

This creates a flavorful foundation for your pasta dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, gentle flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet.

Break up the meat while cooking for 5-6 minutes until completely browned with no pink remaining.

Step 4: Boost Flavor Profile

• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin

Stir thoroughly and cook for an additional minute to activate the spices’ rich aromas.

Step 5: Build the Pasta Liquid Base

• Enchilada sauce
• Broth
• Dry pasta

Stir ingredients to combine evenly.

Cover the pan and bring to a boil.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat and let the pasta simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Stir occasionally, ensuring pasta becomes tender and absorbs most cooking liquid.

Cooking time may vary slightly depending on pasta brand.

Step 7: Optional Creamy Additions

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Corn

Add these during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 8: Cheese and Finish

Remove pan from heat.

Stir in cheese until melted and integrated.

Add any additional mix-ins for extra texture and flavor.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Plate your pasta and add desired garnishes.

Enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!

Helpful Tips for Enchilada Pasta

• Choose a sturdy pasta like penne or rotini that holds sauce well and won't break down during cooking.
• Adjust broth amounts based on pasta brand; some absorb more liquid than others, so keep extra broth nearby.
• Create a homemade taco seasoning blend for more controlled flavor and less sodium compared to packaged mixes.
• Swap cheese and sour cream with nutritional yeast and coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version that still delivers rich taste.
• Use the same skillet for cooking and serving to minimize cleanup and keep the dish warm at the table.

Saving and Reheating Enchilada Pasta

• Store leftover enchilada pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Pairings That Go with Enchilada Pasta

Spice Up Your Plate: Perfect Pairings for Enchilada Pasta

• Cool and Creamy Companion: Whip up a tangy Mexican-style coleslaw with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of sour cream to balance the pasta's rich flavors.
• Fresh Crunch Contrast: Serve a crisp green salad with avocado slices and a zesty jalapeño-lime vinaigrette to cut through the hearty pasta's warmth.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Pour an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona with a lime wedge, or blend a classic margarita to complement the dish's spicy southwestern profile.
• Simple Side Kick: Quickly toast some warm corn tortillas on the side for extra authenticity and to soak up the delicious sauce.

Flavor Ideas for Enchilada Pasta

• Vegetarian Enchilada Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Enchilada Pasta: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or lentil flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Enchilada Pasta: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Enchilada Pasta: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, savory flavors.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute in this recipe?

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For vegetarian version, use black beans or plant-based meat. Instead of enchilada sauce, use tomato sauce with Mexican spices.

• How spicy is this enchilada pasta?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. For mild version, choose a mild seasoning blend. For extra heat, add diced green chilies or use a spicier taco seasoning.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist. The pasta might absorb more liquid when stored, so adjust liquid accordingly.

• Is this a kid-friendly recipe?

Absolutely! Kids typically love pasta dishes with cheese. You can control the spice level and add fun toppings like extra cheese or crushed tortilla chips to make it more appealing to children.

Enchilada Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy “enchilada pasta” combines zesty Mexican flavors with comforting pasta for a hearty dinner sensation. Cheese-laden noodles draped in rich sauce deliver a delightful meal that satisfies deep cravings with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces dry rotini pasta
• 20 fluid ounces (591 milliliters) enchilada sauce
• 2 cups beef broth

Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups monterey jack cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 3 teaspoons taco seasoning

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Instructions

1. Create a flavorful one-pan meal combining hearty pasta with classic enchilada flavors in a quick and easy preparation.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, preparing the foundation for a robust dish.
3. Gently sauté diced onions until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their natural sweetness.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
5. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices and enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Pour enchilada sauce and broth into the skillet, then add uncooked pasta, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
7. Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the liquids to activate the pasta’s cooking process.
8. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, letting the pasta absorb the rich, spicy liquid while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
9. During the final two minutes of cooking, incorporate corn, sour cream, or cream cheese for added creaminess and texture.
10. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese until completely melted and evenly distributed.
11. Top with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, or additional cheese to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity.
12. Serve immediately while the pasta remains hot and the cheese is delightfully melted.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the type and amount of chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra spice.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Ensure pasta doesn’t stick by stirring occasionally and checking liquid levels during cooking.
• For a creamier texture, blend in cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 465
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg