One-Pot Taco Pasta is a delicious fusion dish that brings together the comforting flavors of a classic pasta dish with the bold, zesty elements of a Mexican taco. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, hearty meal that the whole family will love. Made with gluten-free pasta, zesty salsa, black beans, and corn, this dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and allowing you to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Add some bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture, and you’ve got a winning dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients:
- 5 cups cooked pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
- 3 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of taco spice blend (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions:
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 cup diced bell pepper in your choice of color.
- 4 teaspoons chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- If you haven’t cooked the pasta yet, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables (Optional):
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- If using, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning:
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and optional chili powder, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices and enhance the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta, salsa, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the one-pot taco pasta hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of shredded vegan cheese or regular cheese. Enjoy with a side of tortilla chips or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
One-Pot Taco Pasta is a wonderful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of tacos into a comforting pasta format. It’s an easy and versatile meal that can be customized to suit your preferences, making it a go-to option for busy nights. The combination of zesty salsa, savory taco seasoning, and hearty black beans makes this dish both satisfying and delicious. Serve it with your favorite toppings for an extra touch of flavor and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
One-Pot Taco Pasta: A Quick and Flavorful Mexican-Inspired Delight
Ingredients
- 5 cups cooked pasta use gluten-free if needed
- 3 cups salsa mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons of taco spice blend store-bought or homemade
- 1 15 oz can of black beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed.
- 1 cup corn fresh, canned, or frozen
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 cup diced bell pepper in your choice of color.
- 4 teaspoons chili powder optional, for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: If you haven’t cooked the pasta yet, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables (Optional): In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. If using, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning and optional chili powder, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices and enhance the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, salsa, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve: Serve the one-pot taco pasta hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of shredded vegan cheese or regular cheese. Enjoy with a side of tortilla chips or a simple green salad.