Experience culinary convenience and vibrant flavors with this sensational One Pan Enchilada Pasta – a family-friendly weeknight meal designed to satisfy both adult palates and picky eaters alike. Enjoy the authentic taste of Tex-Mex with minimal cleanup!
The quest for an effortless, delicious dinner often leads us down familiar paths, but sometimes, a new discovery revolutionizes our weeknight routine. If you’re anything like me, busy evenings call for meals that are not only packed with flavor but also incredibly simple to prepare and, crucially, require minimal cleanup. That’s where the magic of one-pan dinners truly shines, and this One Pan Enchilada Pasta is an absolute game-changer.
For more cherished one-pan favorites that simplify your life without compromising on taste, consider exploring this hearty Skillet Lasagna or the aromatic Skillet Chicken with Garlic and Herbs. These recipes perfectly embody the convenience and satisfaction that come from cooking everything in a single vessel.
One Pan Enchilada Pasta: Your Ultimate Weeknight Tex-Mex Delight
Navigating the hustle and bustle of weeknights can be a challenge, especially when it comes to preparing a wholesome and appealing dinner. As someone constantly seeking innovative solutions for speedy meal prep, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the efficiency and simplicity of one-pan meals. These culinary wonders streamline the cooking process, minimize cleanup, and often result in dishes that are even more flavorful due to all ingredients mingling in a single pot or skillet. My latest obsession? This incredible One Pan Enchilada Pasta, a recipe that perfectly marries the rich, savory depth of traditional enchiladas with the comforting familiarity of pasta, all infused with a delightful Tex-Mex twist.
Imagine a dish that brings together robust Tex-Mex flavors—think savory chicken, a vibrant enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese—all cooked alongside tender pasta in one single skillet. This isn’t just a fantasy; it’s exactly what you get with this enchilada pasta. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that appeals to everyone at the table, from adults craving a taste of the Southwest to children who appreciate a milder, cheesy pasta dish. And the best part? The simplified cleanup means you’ll have more time to unwind after dinner, perhaps by catching up on your favorite shows or spending quality moments with your family.
Forget the days of multiple pots and pans cluttering your kitchen. This enchilada pasta recipe is a testament to the fact that extraordinary flavor doesn’t have to come with an extraordinary amount of effort. It’s a lifesaver for busy parents, a godsend for anyone short on time, and a surefire hit for any occasion, proving that sometimes, the simplest methods yield the most satisfying results.
Key Ingredients for Your Enchilada Pasta
Crafting this flavorful enchilada pasta requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the dish’s distinct Tex-Mex profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing our aromatic base. While extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its robust flavor, any high-quality cooking oil you have on hand will work beautifully to kickstart the cooking process.
- Onion & Garlic: The foundational aromatics that impart a savory depth to the entire dish. Diced onion softens and caramelizes, adding a subtle sweetness, while minced garlic brings its unmistakable pungent warmth, both crucial for developing that rich Tex-Mex character.
- Chicken: A true weeknight savior, this recipe utilizes pre-cooked, shredded chicken. This is one of my ultimate kitchen time-savers! You can easily prepare a batch of shredded chicken in advance by cooking a whole chicken, boiling or baking chicken breasts, or even by picking up a convenient rotisserie chicken from the grocery store on your way home. Once shredded, portion and freeze it for quick use in countless recipes, saving you precious dinner minutes throughout the week.
- Enchilada Sauce: This is the heart and soul of our enchilada pasta, providing that signature Tex-Mex flavor. The pasta cooks directly in this vibrant sauce, ensuring every noodle is thoroughly infused with its rich and zesty goodness. Feel free to use your favorite red enchilada sauce, whether canned for convenience or a homemade version for an extra personal touch.
- Chicken Broth: Alongside the enchilada sauce, chicken broth serves as the primary cooking liquid for the pasta. It not only ensures proper pasta hydration but also infuses it with an additional layer of savory flavor, far surpassing the blandness of plain water.
- Pasta: I personally recommend rigatoni for this dish due to its ridged texture and tubular shape, which are excellent for catching and holding onto the creamy sauce. However, most short-cut pastas like penne, rotini, or even medium shells will work exceptionally well. The key is to choose a pasta that stands up to the sauce and is easy to eat in a skillet meal.
- Cheese: For optimal melt and blend, always opt for freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. A sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend will add a rich, gooey finish that is irresistible in any enchilada-inspired dish.
- Toppings: This is where you can truly customize your enchilada pasta! Classic Tex-Mex toppings like diced fresh tomatoes (grape or cherry tomatoes halved work wonderfully), creamy avocado cubes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro add brightness, texture, and a burst of complementary flavors. Other fantastic options include a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños for a kick, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
By understanding the contribution of each ingredient, you’re not just following a recipe; you’re truly crafting a culinary experience. This dish is designed for both ease and exceptional taste, making it a perfect addition to your family’s meal rotation.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make One Pan Enchilada Pasta
Creating this delicious One Pan Enchilada Pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a seamless cooking experience:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and begins to turn translucent, typically about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base. In the final minute of cooking the onion, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate the Chicken: Once your aromatics are ready, add the pre-cooked, shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir it thoroughly with the onion and garlic to combine and allow the flavors to meld together briefly. This ensures the chicken is well-coated and warmed through.
- Add the Enchilada Sauce: Carefully pour both cans of red enchilada sauce directly into the skillet. Stir to combine it with the chicken and aromatics, ensuring an even distribution of this key flavor component.
- Introduce the Broth and Pasta: Next, pour in the chicken broth. This, along with the enchilada sauce, will be the liquid in which your pasta cooks. Add the rigatoni (or your chosen short-cut pasta) to the pan, ensuring it’s submerged as much as possible in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Stir the pasta once or twice during this time to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Simmer to Perfection: After 15 minutes, remove the lid. Continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking and most of the liquid has been absorbed, leaving you with a rich, thick sauce coating the pasta. Remember, you want a saucy consistency, not a dry dish.
- Melt the Cheese (Part 1): Turn off the heat or reduce it to its lowest setting. Stir in one cup of the freshly shredded cheese until it is fully incorporated and beautifully melted into the pasta, creating a creamy and cheesy base.
- Final Cheese Layer & Serve: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the pan again for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted into a bubbling, golden layer. Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish generously with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro.
And there you have it! A delicious, hearty, and incredibly easy One Pan Enchilada Pasta ready to impress your family and friends, all with the convenience of minimal cleanup.
Expert Tips and Customization Tricks for Enchilada Pasta
To ensure your One Pan Enchilada Pasta turns out perfectly every time, and to help you personalize it to your taste, here are some invaluable tips and tricks:
- Sauce Consistency is Key: Remember that not all of the liquid will be fully absorbed by the pasta. The goal is a rich, luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta, not a dry dish. A little extra liquid is a good thing for maintaining that creamy texture.
- Adjusting Liquid Content: If, after the recommended cooking time, your pasta still appears too soupy or has too much liquid, simply increase the heat to medium-high and let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Stir frequently during this time until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Conversely, if the pasta seems too dry before it’s fully cooked, add a splash more chicken broth (a quarter cup at a time) to ensure it finishes cooking properly.
- Meat Substitutions: While chicken is fantastic in this recipe, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the shredded chicken for other proteins. Consider using cooked ground beef, flavorful leftover beef barbacoa, or tender chipotle shredded beef for a different spin. For a vegetarian option, black beans or a mix of roasted vegetables would be delicious.
- Amplify the Spice: If you prefer a bit more heat in your enchilada pasta, don’t hesitate to stir in a dash or two of your favorite hot pepper sauce (like a few drops of Tabasco or Cholula) when you add the first cup of cheese. Diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a delightful kick.
- Storage and Reheating: Any leftovers of this delicious dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use either the microwave or a skillet on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, you might find that the pasta has absorbed more liquid, so be prepared to add a small amount of extra chicken broth to bring it back to a creamy consistency. Stir gently until warmed through.
- Choose the Right Skillet: A large, deep skillet (at least 10-12 inches) with a lid is essential. Cast iron or stainless steel skillets work wonderfully for achieving an even cook and maintaining heat.
- Freshly Grated Cheese Matters: As mentioned in the ingredients, opting for freshly grated cheese makes a significant difference. It melts much smoother and integrates better into the sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t limit yourself to just tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Get creative! Crumbled tortilla chips for crunch, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for coolness, a sprinkle of green onions, or even some pickled red onions can elevate the dish further.
With these comprehensive tips, you’re well-equipped to master this One Pan Enchilada Pasta, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
More Tex-Mex Inspired Dinners You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors of this One Pan Enchilada Pasta, you’re in luck! Tex-Mex cuisine offers an endless array of exciting and delicious dishes perfect for any night of the week. Here are a few more family-friendly, Tex-Mex inspired recipes to keep your menu fresh and exciting:
- Southwest Chicken Salad: A light yet satisfying meal packed with bold flavors and textures.
- Shrimp Tostadas: Crispy tortillas loaded with zesty shrimp and fresh toppings.
- Taco Skillet: All the flavors of your favorite tacos in a convenient one-pan format.
- Taco Pizza: A fun and customizable twist on pizza night, infused with taco goodness.
- Chicken Tamale Casserole: A comforting casserole that brings the deliciousness of tamales to your dinner table without the fuss.
- Chicken Chimichanga Recipe: Crispy, fried burritos filled with savory chicken and cheese.
Expanding your repertoire of Tex-Mex meals means more exciting dinners and happy faces around the table. Each of these recipes is designed to bring a burst of flavor and a touch of the Southwest to your home.
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One Pan Enchilada Pasta
Deborah Harroun
15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
4 servings
Main Dish
Mexican
Pin
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 20 oz (2 10 oz cans) Red Enchilada Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz rigatoni or other short cut pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- desired toppings I like halved grape or cherry tomatoes, diced avocado and cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add in the chicken and stir to combine.
- Open both cans of enchilada sauce and pour them into the skillet. Add the chicken broth, then the pasta. Stir to combine. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Uncover the pan and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Turn the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of the cheese. Top the pasta with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and cover the pan until the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes.
- Serve topped with desired toppings.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
enchilada pasta, one pan pasta, skillet pasta, Tex-Mex dinner, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal