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Easy One Pan Mexican Pasta Fiesta

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A quick and flavorful one-pan Mexican pasta dish that combines smoky spices, creamy cheese, and tender pasta for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup salsa roja or favorite medium-spicy salsa
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper; stir constantly for 1 minute to toast spices lightly.
  5. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and salsa roja; stir to combine.
  6. Add uncooked pasta to the skillet, pressing it gently into the sauce so it is mostly submerged.
  7. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Cover pan with lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook pasta for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking; add more broth if sauce becomes too dry.
  9. Remove lid, lower heat to low, and stir in softened cream cheese and shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
  10. Add lime juice and stir; adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spice as desired.
  11. Serve pasta garnished with chopped cilantro and optional toppings like jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

Use a deep pan to contain liquid and cook pasta evenly. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Add broth or water if sauce thickens too much. Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid clumps. Adjust spice level by varying chili powder and salsa heat. Can add cooked chicken or black beans for protein boost. For vegan or dairy-free, use vegetable broth and dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan pasta, Mexican pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, skillet pasta, Mexican flavors

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-one-pan-mexican-pasta-fiesta-recipe-for-quick-dinner-delight/