This fun Mexican Pasta is a colorful mix of spaghetti tossed with zesty salsa, black beans, and corn. It is a delightful dish that brings a fiesta to your dinner table!
I love how quick and easy it is to make. Just boil the pasta, mix in the goodies, and dinner is ready in a flash! Plus, it’s perfect for any night when you want something tasty and different! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni: This pasta is perfect for holding the sauce, but you can swap it with penne or fusilli if you prefer. They also catch that delicious sauce well!
Ground Beef: Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. I often use turkey for a lighter dish, but if you love beef’s flavor, stick with it. Beyond those, you can try ground chicken or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian take.
Corn: Fresh corn adds a nice crunch, but frozen or canned corn works just as well. I often keep frozen corn on hand for convenience—it’s just as tasty!
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes brighten the dish, but canned diced tomatoes are super handy. If fresh isn’t available, go for canned—they’re often picked and preserved at their best.
Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. If you need a milder version, reduce the cayenne. I love adding a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist!
How Can I Cook the Perfect Pasta for this Dish?
Cooking the pasta right is key to the overall texture of your dish. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta is slightly firm to the bite. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil—this enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Add the rigatoni and stir to prevent sticking. Check the package for cooking time, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Test a piece a minute or two before the time is up. It should be tender but still have a little bite!
- Drain the pasta and reserve a splash of the cooking water in case you need it later to loosen the sauce.
Don’t rinse the pasta! Rinsing washes away the starches that help the sauce cling to it.
How to Make Delicious Mexican Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or similar pasta
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping (cheddar or Mexican blend)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Mexican Pasta will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping, cooking the pasta, and the remaining 20 minutes making the sauce and mixing everything together. It’s quick and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rigatoni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a firm bite. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells amazing!
3. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. If there is excess fat, drain it off to keep your dish from being greasy.
4. Spice It Up:
Now, sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well so the meat is coated with those tasty spices.
5. Add Tomatoes and Corn:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and corn kernels. Mix this all together, then let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This step is important because it helps combine all the flavors!
6. Mix with Pasta:
Carefully add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the vibrant sauce. If it seems too thick, feel free to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up a bit.
7. Final Seasoning and Serve:
Taste your Mexican Pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top if you like!
Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great, you can also use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. You might also consider adding more beans or extra vegetables for added texture and flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can! Allow the Mexican Pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Can I Serve with Mexican Pasta?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some tortilla chips with salsa for extra crunch. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole also adds a nice touch!
