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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and gently caramelize diced yellow onions until translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce ground beef, breaking it into crumbly fragments while cooking. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until meat loses its raw pink appearance.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, allowing spices to bloom and intensify flavors for one minute.
- Pour enchilada sauce and broth into the skillet, then add dry rotini pasta. Ensure pasta is completely submerged in liquid.
- 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.
- During final two minutes, fold in optional ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, or corn to create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and integrate shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Garnish with fresh toppings such as diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, cilantro, and black olives for vibrant color and complementary textures.
- 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