The Perfect Enchilada Pasta Recipe For Family Dinner Success

Tantalizing enchilada pasta blends two culinary worlds into a single, mouthwatering creation.

Mexican-inspired spices dance with pasta comforting texture, creating a unique dining experience that defies traditional recipe boundaries.

Robust flavors merge seamlessly, reinventing ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Home cooks can quickly assemble this crowd-pleasing dish without complex preparation techniques.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of zesty sauce, tender noodles, and melted cheese.

Protein options like shredded chicken or ground beef make the recipe endlessly adaptable to different preferences.

Get ready for a dinner that will spark conversation and satisfy serious hunger pangs.

Why Enchilada Pasta Is the Ultimate Comfort Fusion

• Savor One-Pot Convenience: Whip up a delicious meal with minimal cleanup, using just one skillet from start to finish.
• Packed with Flavor Fusion: Combine the zesty kick of Mexican-inspired taco seasoning with creamy pasta for an unexpected and mouthwatering dinner experience.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a hearty, satisfying meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a comforting and protein-rich dish that'll please everyone at the table.

The Ingredients That Merge Two Comfort Classics

• Ground Beef: Classic protein with rich meaty flavor, best when 80/20 lean to fat ratio for juiciness.
• Taco Seasoning: Blend of warm spices that adds Mexican-inspired depth to the dish.

• Dry Pasta: Holds sauce well and creates hearty texture, medium shells or rotini work perfectly.
• Enchilada Sauce: Provides signature tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Helps cook pasta and adds subtle savory undertone.

• Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds creamy richness, sharp cheddar or Mexican blend recommended.
• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Optional creamy elements that increase dishs richness.
• Corn: Sweet addition that brings texture and freshness.

• Olive Oil: Provides initial cooking fat with light flavor.
• Onions: Adds aromatic base and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that brighten final presentation.

How to Make a Cheesy, Zesty Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling foundation for your delicious meal.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up while cooking for 5-6 minutes until no pink remains.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin

Cook for 1 minute to wake up the flavors.

Step 5: Create the Pasta Base

• Enchilada sauce
• Broth
• Dry pasta

Cover the skillet and bring to a rolling boil.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches tender goodness.

Step 7: Optional Creamy Additions

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Corn (if desired)

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Remove from heat and fold in cheese, mixing thoroughly.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve this mouthwatering enchilada pasta directly to the table.

Tips for That Saucy, Creamy Enchilada Finish

• Master the Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is evenly crumbled and browned to develop rich, deep flavors without burning.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Stir pasta frequently while simmering to prevent sticking and achieve the perfect sauce thickness.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheese off the heat to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify the overall taste.
• Customize with Confidence: Experiment with different protein options like shredded chicken or ground turkey for variety without compromising the recipe's core essence.

Sides That Pair Well with This Cheesy Pasta

• Brew the Perfect Margarita Companion: This spicy, hearty enchilada pasta craves a zesty margarita that complements its Mexican-inspired flavors. The citrusy lime and tequila cut through the rich beef and cheese, creating a balanced taste explosion.
• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: A cold, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly refreshes the palate after each cheesy, savory bite. Its clean, subtle taste helps balance the dish's robust spices and creamy texture.
• Serve with Fresh Cilantro Salad: A bright, tangy salad with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy pasta. The crisp greens and acidic dressing help cleanse the palate between rich, meaty bites.
• Cool Down with Creamy Guacamole: A side of smooth, zesty guacamole adds another layer of flavor and creaminess that echoes the pasta's cheesy profile. Its fresh avocado and lime notes cut through the dish's richness, creating a delightful dining experience.

Exciting Variations on Enchilada Meets Pasta

• Vegetarian Verde: Swap ground beef with black beans and add diced bell peppers for a protein-packed plant-based version. Roast zucchini and use green enchilada sauce for extra flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Swap: Replace beef with shredded rotisserie chicken and add jalapeños for a zesty kick. Use pepper jack cheese to enhance the heat level.
• Seafood Fiesta: Substitute beef with succulent shrimp or crab meat. Mix in diced green chiles and use a lighter seafood-friendly seasoning blend for a coastal-inspired meal.
• Southwestern Skillet: Include corn kernels, diced green chiles, and top with crispy tortilla strips. Sprinkle fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy southwestern touch.

How to Store Leftovers Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the enchilada pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the container tightly closed to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Warm for 3-5 minutes until heated thoroughly, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Enchilada Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Enchilada Pasta blends classic comfort with zesty southwest flavors, creating a creamy one-pot masterpiece. Spicy chicken, melted cheese, and bold seasonings meld perfectly, delivering a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (ground turkey can also be used)

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dry (uncooked) rotini pasta (or other similar shapes)
• 20 ounces (567 grams) enchilada sauce (if you have a 19-ounce can, that will work fine)
• 2 cups beef broth (chicken broth can also be used)

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack, Colby, or cheddar cheese
• 3 teaspoons taco seasoning (or an equal combination of cumin powder, chili powder, and garlic powder)
• 2 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup corn, thawed if using frozen (optional)

Toppings:

• Green onions
• Fresh diced tomatoes
• Black olives
• Sour cream
• Cilantro

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Instructions

1. Warm the olive oil (29 milliliters or ) in a generously sized skillet positioned over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
2. Introduce finely diced onions into the skillet and gently sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to become translucent and tender without browning.
3. Incorporate ground beef (454 grams or ) into the skillet, methodically breaking the meat into small crumbles while cooking for 5-6 minutes until the meat loses its pink coloration completely.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning blend evenly across the meat, stirring to distribute the aromatic spices and allowing them to bloom for approximately 1 minute.
5. Pour in the enchilada sauce (473 milliliters or 16 fluid ounces), chicken broth (237 milliliters or ), and uncooked pasta, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
6. Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
7. Maintain a low simmer for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. During the final two minutes of cooking, fold in optional ingredients like sour cream (120 milliliters or ), cream cheese (113 grams or ), or corn kernels (120 grams or ).
9. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in shredded cheese (226 grams or ) until fully melted and integrated.
10. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or additional cheese as desired.

Notes

• Customize this one-pot wonder by swapping ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based protein for diverse dietary preferences.
• Leftover enchilada pasta keeps beautifully in sealed containers for 3-4 days, making perfect next-day lunch or quick meal prep.
• Select low-sodium broth and taco seasoning to control salt levels, ideal for health-conscious home cooks.
• Creamy variations work best with full-fat dairy like sour cream or cream cheese for rich, smooth texture.
• Boost nutrition by mixing in black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers during the last cooking minutes for extra flavor and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg