Zesty Enchilada Pasta Recipe: A Fiery Family Favorite

Creamy enchilada pasta swirls comfort and zest into one delightful dish that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Spicy aromas will dance through your kitchen while preparing this crowd-pleasing meal.

Melted cheese and tender pasta create a perfect canvas for rich, traditional mexican flavors.

Layers of robust seasonings bring depth to every single bite.

Bold ingredients combine seamlessly, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

You can craft this mouthwatering meal in under thirty minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Dive into this fusion of classic enchilada magic and comforting pasta perfection!

Enchilada Pasta Overview

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this delicious enchilada pasta in minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comfort Food Reimagined: Combine the beloved flavors of enchiladas with classic pasta, creating a mouthwatering fusion that brings excitement to your dinner table.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños to make this dish uniquely yours, appealing to both kids and adults.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this simple skillet recipe that cooks everything in a single pan, saving time and reducing dish-washing hassle.

Ingredients for Enchilada Pasta

• Pasta: A hearty base that absorbs the rich, spicy flavors of the dish.
• Ground Beef: Provides protein and a robust, meaty foundation for the recipe.
• Enchilada Sauce: Delivers authentic Mexican-inspired flavor and moisture to the pasta.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy texture and melts to create a delicious, gooey topping.

• Taco Seasoning, Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Broth: Combine to create a flavorful and saucy mixture that coats the pasta.

• Onions: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the ground beef mixture.

• Cilantro, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Jalapeños: Provide fresh garnish and additional flavor layers to customize the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Enchilada Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your favorite pasta shape and cook it following the package directions.

Once it’s done, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Toss ground beef and diced onions into a large skillet.

Cook and stir until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Taco seasoning
• Enchilada sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth

Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a mouthwatering sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the saucy beef mixture.

Sprinkle in half of the shredded cheese and stir until everything is well coated and looking irresistible.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Scatter the remaining cheese on top of the pasta.

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt into gooey goodness, creating a blanket of cheesy delight.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños

Serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of pasta and enchiladas!

Pro Tips for Enchilada Pasta

• Choose elbow macaroni or rotini for better sauce-holding capability, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Opt for lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey to decrease overall fat content without compromising taste.
• Adjust taco seasoning and enchilada sauce intensity by selecting mild, medium, or hot versions based on personal heat preference.
• Allow cheese to fully melt and slightly bubble before serving for a creamy, gooey texture that enhances the dish's appeal.
• Incorporate diced bell peppers or black beans during cooking to add extra nutrients and create a more balanced meal.

Enchilada Pasta Variations

• Vegetarian Enchilada Pasta: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Mexican Pasta: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to increase heat and create a fiery flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich enchilada flavors.

Serving Ideas for Enchilada Pasta

• Family Fiesta Night: Serve this hearty pasta as the centerpiece of a vibrant Mexican-inspired dinner with friends and loved ones.
• Taco Tuesday Twist: Transform your regular taco night by presenting this cheesy, saucy pasta dish as a delicious alternative to traditional tacos.
• Topping Paradise: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, diced green onions, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or crispy tortilla strips to add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and enjoy a quick, satisfying meal the next day.

Storage Advice for Enchilada Pasta

• Store leftover enchilada pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Maintains quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce you choose. Use mild versions for less spice or add hot sauce for extra kick.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great as substitutes for ground beef.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and reduce cheese quantity. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• What if I don't have enchilada sauce?

You can substitute with salsa, tomato sauce mixed with chili powder, or make a quick homemade enchilada sauce using tomato paste, broth, and spices.

Enchilada Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy enchilada pasta delivers comfort with Mexican-inspired flair, blending hearty noodles and zesty sauce for a quick weeknight dinner. Creamy cheese and bold seasonings make this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 can (10 ounces/285 grams) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Olives

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package timing. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Sauté ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat browns and onions become translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Remove excess grease from skillet, then sprinkle taco seasoning across meat mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
4. Pour enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth into skillet, allowing ingredients to blend and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate cooked pasta into beef mixture, gently folding to ensure even distribution of sauce and meat.
6. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese into the pasta, stirring until cheese begins to melt and integrate with other ingredients.
7. Top the entire skillet with remaining cheese, covering surface completely.
8. Reduce heat to low, place lid on skillet, and allow cheese to melt for 3-4 minutes until fully smooth and bubbly.
9. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or sour cream before serving hot directly from skillet.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or using a mild/hot variant to suit different taste preferences.
• For a vegetarian twist, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans to create a hearty meat-free version.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix to add extra flavor complexity to the dish.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg