Savory Enchilada Pasta Recipe: Fiesta Flavors Made Simple

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering enchilada pasta that blends classic Mexican flavors with creamy pasta goodness.

Spicy, cheesy, and packed with bold ingredients, this dish promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of zesty enchilada sauce and tender pasta.

Tender chicken or hearty ground beef seamlessly weave through every bite, creating a satisfying meal that screams home-cooked deliciousness.

The recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a fiesta of flavor and texture.

Creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, this enchilada pasta will quickly become your new go-to comfort food that everyone at the table will devour.

What Makes Enchilada Pasta So Tasty

• Reasons to Love Enchilada Pasta
• Prepare a delicious meal in under thirty minutes with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy families seeking satisfying dinner solutions.
• Simplify your cooking process by using a single skillet, reducing dishes and cleanup time while creating a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will adore.
• Easily swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef, add optional mix-ins such as corn or cream cheese, and top with your favorite garnishes to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Blend the beloved tastes of Mexican-inspired enchiladas with classic pasta, delivering a mouthwatering dish that combines familiar comfort food with exciting culinary creativity.

What You’ll Need for Enchilada Pasta

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that adds hearty flavor to the enchilada pasta.
• Rotini Pasta: Twisty pasta that captures sauce and provides the perfect texture for this dish.
• Enchilada Sauce: Provides the signature Mexican-inspired flavor profile of the recipe.

• Taco Seasoning Mix, Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder: Spice blend that creates a bold and authentic enchilada taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts into the pasta to create a creamy, rich sauce.
• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Optional ingredients that add extra creaminess and depth to the dish.

• Yellow Onion: Provides a foundational savory flavor to the beef mixture.
• Diced Tomatoes, Green Onions, Cilantro, Corn: Optional fresh ingredients that add color, texture, and brightness.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and beef.
• Broth: Helps cook the pasta and adds additional moisture and flavor.
• Black Olives: Optional garnish that adds a salty, tangy element.

How to Make Enchilada Pasta at Home

Step 1: Sizzle Onions and Meat

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and fragrant.

Add ground beef (or ground turkey) and break it into small crumbles.

Cook until the meat is completely browned and no longer pink.

Step 2: Boost the Flavor Profile

Sprinkle in the zesty taco seasoning.

Let the spices dance with the meat and onions for about a minute, releasing their aromatic oils and creating a rich, bold base for the pasta.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Base

• Enchilada sauce
• Chicken broth
• Dry rotini pasta

Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged.

Cover the skillet and bring to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Enhance the Creaminess

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Corn kernels

These ingredients will transform the dish into a luxurious, velvety pasta experience.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that coats every pasta noodle.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced black olives

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Smart Tips for Enchilada Pasta Perfection

• Toast the taco seasoning in the pan for an extra minute to release deeper, more robust spice notes that elevate the entire dish's taste profile.
• Check pasta doneness by testing a piece every few minutes to prevent overcooking, ensuring perfectly al dente rotini that's not mushy or too firm.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences without losing the recipe's core flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend to customize the sauce's richness and add unique taste dimensions.
• Make extra batches and freeze in portions for quick weeknight dinners, maintaining great flavor and texture when reheated with a splash of broth.

Keeping and Reheating Enchilada Pasta

• Transfer cooled enchilada pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags for maximum 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra broth to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently and frequently to distribute heat evenly, ensuring pasta doesn't dry out or burn.

Tasty Pairings for Enchilada Pasta

• Flavor Fusion Pairing: Combine this hearty enchilada pasta with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the rich, creamy texture and complements the spicy taco seasoning.
• Refreshing Sidekick: Prepare a zesty southwestern-style salad with mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a lime-cilantro vinaigrette to balance the pasta's robust flavors and add a fresh, light element to the meal.
• Cooling Complement: Serve a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream or homemade pico de gallo on top to temper the dish's warmth and provide a bright, fresh counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Wine Wisdom: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec, which stands up to the bold spices and rich cheese while offering a smooth, fruity undertone that enhances the overall dining experience.

Fun Flavor Ideas for Enchilada Pasta

• Vegetarian Enchilada Pasta: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version. Choose vegetable broth instead of regular broth for deeper flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rotini pasta with gluten-free rotini made from chickpea or rice flour. Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce cooking time and adjust liquid quantity to prevent overcooking the vegetable base.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese for creamy texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have all the original recipe items?

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, use different pasta shapes like shells or penne, swap enchilada sauce with tomato sauce plus extra spices, and substitute specific cheeses based on what’s available in your pantry.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from taco seasoning. If you want less heat, use a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount. For more spice, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños during cooking.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Cook the entire recipe, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy cheese, mild seasoning, and pasta make this a great meal for children. Kids typically enjoy the familiar flavors and textures. You can also customize toppings to make it more appealing to younger eaters.

Enchilada Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Enchilada Pasta blends Mexican and Italian flavors in one comforting dish. Zesty spices, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy your dinner cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Sauces and Liquids:

• 20 ounces enchilada sauce
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth

Pasta, Seasonings, and Cheese:

• 8 ounces rotini pasta
• 3 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1.5 cups cheese (monterey jack, colby, or cheddar)

Optional Ingredients:

• cream cheese
• corn
• green onions

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and gently caramelize diced yellow onions until translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef, breaking it into crumbly fragments while cooking. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until meat loses its raw pink appearance.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, allowing spices to bloom and intensify flavors for one minute.
4. Pour enchilada sauce and broth into the skillet, then add dry rotini pasta. Ensure pasta is completely submerged in liquid.
5. Cover the pan, increase heat to boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically until pasta reaches perfect tenderness and absorbs most liquid.
6. During final two minutes, fold in optional ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, or corn to create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
7. Remove from heat and integrate shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh toppings such as diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, cilantro, and black olives for vibrant color and complementary textures.
9. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this enchilada-inspired pasta dish.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or creating homemade blend to control sodium and heat intensity.
• Consider using whole wheat rotini for added fiber and nutritional boost, making the dish more nutrient-dense and satisfying.
• Prepare vegetarian version by substituting ground meat with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for protein-packed alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg