Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe: Your New Favorite Weeknight Wonder

Crafting a delightful easy enchilada pasta recipe brings comfort and zest to your dinner table.

Cheesy noodles mingled with spicy sauce create an irresistible meal that sparks joy.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this creative twist on traditional enchiladas.

Layers of rich flavors combine perfectly in every single bite.

Mexican-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a satisfying experience for hungry families.

Robust spices and creamy textures make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

You’ll fall in love with how simple yet delicious this recipe can be.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every mouthwatering moment!

Enchilada Pasta That Impresses

• Create a Hearty Meal Quickly: This recipe transforms ordinary pasta into a zesty Mexican-inspired feast with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor punch.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies to make this dish perfectly tailored to your family's taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, saucy combination that brings together classic pasta with bold enchilada flavors.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking steps mean you can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with a sink full of pots and pans.

Ingredients for Enchilada Pasta

• Ground Beef or Chicken: A hearty protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundation of the recipe that provides a comforting and filling base.

• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes, Corn, Black Beans: Colorful vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and authentic southwestern taste.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a robust flavor profile for the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall taste and provide depth to the recipe.
• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, fresh herb that adds a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.

• Shredded Cheese: A melty, creamy element that brings richness and binds the dish together.

How to Make Enchilada Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente.

Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Brown Protein

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef or chicken to the pan. Cook the meat, breaking it into small crumbles, until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté the aromatics until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors into the meat.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Red enchilada sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Gently toss and stir until every pasta piece is completely coated with the vibrant, spicy sauce.

Step 6: Melt Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.

Let the cheese melt completely, creating a gooey, irresistible layer.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a bright, fresh finish.

Serve the enchilada pasta piping hot, directly from the skillet.

Tips to Perfect Enchilada Pasta

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner protein option.
• Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility.
• Enhance flavor by toasting spices briefly before adding other ingredients to release deeper aromatics.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with extra beans or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to speed up cooking and reduce kitchen stress during meal preparation.

Flavor Variations for Enchilada Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu for a meatless version that's protein-rich and flavorful.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery flavor profile that brings extra heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious enchilada-inspired taste.

What Goes Well with Enchilada Pasta

• Fiesta Bowl Delight: Serve the enchilada pasta in a deep bowl topped with extra cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for a hearty meal.
• Taco Tuesday Twist: Transform the dish into a quick taco filling by wrapping it in warm tortillas with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime.
• Nacho Party Style: Spread the pasta on a platter, sprinkle with extra cheese, jalapeños, and drizzle with salsa for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for game nights.
• Quick Lunch Remix: Pack the pasta in a portable container for an easy work or school lunch that reheats beautifully and packs a flavor punch.

Best Storage for Enchilada Pasta

• Store leftover enchilada pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer the pasta to a shallow, wide container to help it cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Separate any fresh garnishes like cilantro before storing to maintain their crispness.
• Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and keep the pasta fresh.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground meat with plant-based protein like tofu, lentils, or extra beans to keep the recipe hearty and flavorful.

• What if I don't have enchilada sauce?

You can substitute with tomato sauce mixed with chili powder, cumin, and a bit of hot sauce to create a similar flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin. Adjust heat by adding more or less chili powder, or include diced jalapeños for extra kick.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the meat and sauce mixture in advance, then add pasta just before serving to prevent soggy noodles.

Cheesy Enchilada Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 39 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy enchilada pasta blends Mexican and Italian cuisines into one comforting dish. Cheesy, spicy noodles with tender chicken provide a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef or chicken

Starches:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup corn (optional)
• 1 cup black beans (optional)
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauces and Cheese:

• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package directions, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then thoroughly brown selected protein until no pink remains.
3. Eliminate excess fat from protein, then incorporate aromatic onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
4. Pour enchilada sauce into skillet, introducing diced tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, hearty black beans, and signature southwestern spices. Allow mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Gently fold cooked pasta into sauce, ensuring each noodle becomes generously coated with robust, spicy mixture.
6. Distribute vibrant shredded cheese across surface, then reduce heat to low, covering skillet to facilitate uniform cheese melting for 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, creating a visually appealing and aromatic final presentation.
8. Serve immediately while cheese remains perfectly melted and ingredients are piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist that keeps protein levels high.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium enchilada sauce and draining canned beans thoroughly before adding.
• Prepare extra sauce on the side for individuals who enjoy more moisture in their pasta dish.
• Create a meal-prep friendly version by storing sauce and pasta separately, combining just before serving to maintain optimal texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg