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One-Pot Cheesy Tex-Mex Pasta

  • Author: Miya
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For One-Pot Cheesy Tex-Mex Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef, chicken, or turkey (or use a vegetarian protein like black beans or tofu)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Tex-Mex cheese blend)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for added meltiness)
  • 1/2 cup milk (use whole or 2% milk for a creamier sauce)

For Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • Jalapeño slices for added spice (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Meat or Vegetarian Option: Using ground turkey, chicken, or beef offers a great source of protein, but this dish is easily customizable. You can opt for black beans or a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Cheese: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella ensures the perfect balance of sharp flavor and melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. For an extra Tex-Mex twist, use a cheese blend that includes Monterey Jack.
  • Spices and Seasonings: Cumin, chili powder, paprika, and coriander are key to achieving that signature Tex-Mex flavor profile. These spices add warmth, smokiness, and a slight kick to the dish.
  • Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: These ingredients give the sauce a base of freshness and depth, while the chilies provide just the right amount of heat.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened.

  2. Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Brown the Ground Meat: Add your choice of ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

  1. Stir in the Tomatoes and Broth: Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken or vegetable broth, and the can of diced green chilies (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.

  2. Season the Sauce: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pan. Stir the spices into the mixture, and bring everything to a simmer.

  3. Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

  1. Add the Milk: Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced, stir in the milk to create a creamy base for the cheese sauce.

  2. Add the Cheese: Slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

  3. Add Sour Cream (Optional): For extra creaminess, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream. This will make the pasta even richer and add a nice tangy flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

  1. Serve the Pasta: Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary (add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired).

  2. Garnish: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

  3. Enjoy: Serve this cheesy, comforting pasta with a side of your favorite Tex-Mex sides, such as Mexican street corn or a simple salad.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6
  • Calories: 450-500
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 25g

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Find it online: https://snackescape.com/one-pot-cheesy-tex-mex-pasta/