Cheesy Mexican-Inspired Pasta Skillet
Experience a fiesta of flavors with this Cheesy Mexican-Inspired Pasta Skillet! This vibrant dish combines tender pasta, colorful veggies, and gooey cheese in a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. With bold spices and fresh ingredients, each bite transports you to a sun-soaked beach in Mexico. Enjoy the delightful aroma and watch as your loved ones dive into this cheesy delight!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced, mixed red and green)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 tsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and bell peppers until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and canned diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the mixture and stir well to combine. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated with cheese.
- Remove from heat, serve warm topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: - Customize by adding proteins like chicken or shrimp. - Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack for added creaminess. - For extra spice, incorporate jalapeños or cayenne pepper.