Are you a fan of pasta but looking to switch up your usual Italian recipe? How about adding a Mexican twist to it? One-pan enchilada pasta is a perfect combination of two classic favorites that is sure to make your taste buds dance.
This recipe is not only delicious but also super easy to make. With only a few ingredients and a single pan, you can have a filling and flavorful meal in no time. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouthwatering one-pan enchilada pasta.
Why You Should Try One-Pan Enchilada Pasta
One of the things that make one-pan enchilada pasta unique is its combination of flavors. It’s a fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisine that results in a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that combines the flavors of two classic cuisines, then you should definitely try making one-pan enchilada pasta. Here are some reasons why:
1. It’s easy to make
One of the best things about one-pan enchilada pasta is that it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a single pan, you can have a delicious and filling meal on the table in no time. Plus, since it’s a one-pan dish, you won’t have to worry about a sink full of dishes to clean up afterward.
2. It’s budget-friendly
Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly. Many of the ingredients are pantry staples, such as canned tomatoes, black beans, and corn, which means you can make it without breaking the bank. Plus, ground beef is often one of the more affordable cuts of meat, making it a great option for those on a budget.
3. It’s versatile
One-pan enchilada pasta is a very versatile dish. You can easily swap out some of the ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. For example, if you don’t eat beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. You can also add in extra veggies, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini, to make it even more nutritious.
4. It’s packed with flavor
One-pan enchilada pasta is a flavor-packed dish that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and green chilies gives it a spicy kick, while the black beans and corn add a sweet and savory element. And of course, the melted cheese on top brings it all together for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
5. It’s a crowd-pleaser
Finally, one-pan enchilada pasta is a great dish to make when you’re feeding a crowd. It’s easy to double or even triple the recipe, and everyone is sure to love it. Plus, since it’s a one-pan dish, you can serve it straight from the pan, making it a casual and fun meal option for game nights, family dinners, or potlucks.
Ingredients You Need to Make One-Pan Enchilada Pasta
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4 -6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 of a small onion diced
- 1.25 pounds of taco seasoned ground turkey meat or 1.25 pounds of lean ground beef and packet of low-sodium taco seasoning
- 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 19 oz can of red enchilada sauce
- 8 oz about 2 1/2 cups of dried rotini pasta
- 2 cups of freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
- green onions
- black olives
How to Make One-Pan Enchilada Pasta
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil over medium-low heat until softened.
- Add ground turkey meat and cook, breaking meat up with a wooden spoon until browned.
- Once turkey meat is cooked through, add pasta, chicken broth, and enchilada sauce to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduced the heat to low and cover.
- Cook on low, with the pan covered for about 15 minutes.
- Then remove the lid and let simmer for additional 5 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce has reduced.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheese.
- Top pasta with an additional cup of cheese and melt under the broiler for a minute or two, or place the lid back on the pan and let the heat from the pasta melt the cheese.
- Garnish with black olives and green onions.
Tips for Making the Perfect One-Pan Enchilada Pasta
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy one-pan meal, enchilada pasta is a great option. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect dish:
1. Use the right pan
The key to making one-pan enchilada pasta is using the right pan. You’ll want a large, deep skillet or sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid. This will ensure that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
2. Brown the meat first
If you’re using ground beef or another type of meat, be sure to brown it first before adding the other ingredients. This will give the meat a nice crust and add flavor to the dish.
3. Add the liquid gradually
When you’re adding the liquid to the dish, be sure to do it gradually. You want to add enough liquid to cook the pasta, but not so much that it becomes soupy. Start with about half of the liquid called for in the recipe, and add more as needed.
4. Use the right type of pasta
Not all types of pasta are created equal, and some work better than others in one-pan enchilada pasta. You’ll want to use a short pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or ziti, as these hold up well to the cooking process. Avoid long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine, as they can break apart and turn to mush.
5. Don’t overcook the pasta
One of the biggest mistakes people make when making one-pan enchilada pasta is overcooking the pasta. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy and unappetizing.
6. Add toppings at the end
Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to add the toppings. You can add shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or any other toppings you like. Be sure to add these at the end of the cooking process, as they don’t need much time to heat up.
One-pan enchilada pasta is a delicious and easy meal that can be customized to your liking. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect dish every time. So grab a pan, some pasta, and your favorite toppings, and get cooking!
Substitutes for Ground Beef in One-Pan Enchilada Pasta
If you’re not a fan of ground beef, or you’re looking for a healthier or more sustainable option, there are plenty of substitutes you can use in one-pan enchilada pasta. Here are a few ideas:
1. Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is a popular substitute for ground beef in many recipes, and it works great in one-pan enchilada pasta too. It’s leaner than beef, which means it has less fat and fewer calories. However, because it’s leaner, it can be a bit drier than beef, so you may want to add a bit of extra oil or sauce to keep it moist.
2. Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is another lean option that works well in one-pan enchilada pasta. It has a milder flavor than beef, so it won’t overpower the other flavors in the dish. Like ground turkey, it can be a bit dry, so be sure to add some extra liquid if needed.
3. Plant-Based Crumbles
If you’re looking for a meat-free option, plant-based crumbles are a great substitute for ground beef in one-pan enchilada pasta. Brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods make plant-based crumbles that look and taste like real ground beef, but they’re made from ingredients like soy, peas, and potatoes. They’re also a great source of protein and are more sustainable than beef.
4. Lentils
Lentils are a great option for those who want to add more plant-based protein to their diets. They have a similar texture to ground beef and absorb flavors well, making them a great substitute in one-pan enchilada pasta. You can use either canned or cooked dried lentils, and they work well with the other ingredients in the dish.
5. Mushrooms
If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, mushrooms are a great substitute for ground beef in one-pan enchilada pasta. They have a meaty texture and absorb flavors well, and they’re very low in calories and fat. You can use any type of mushroom you like, but shiitake, portobello, and cremini are all great options.
There are plenty of substitutes you can use in one-pan enchilada pasta if you’re not a fan of ground beef. Whether you’re looking for a leaner option, a meat-free option, or a low-calorie option, there’s a substitute out there that will work for you. Try out a few different options and see which one you like best!
