If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, comforting dish that bursts with flavor and requires minimal cleanup, this One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly blends creamy textures, spicy sausage, and fresh veggies all cooked together in one pot for absolute ease and maximum deliciousness. Each bite showcases a beautiful harmony of smoky, cheesy, and zesty notes that will quickly make this your new go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you discover how effortless and tasty this recipe is, it will become an instant favorite in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from providing bold spices to creamy smoothness and a perfect balance of textures and colors. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful meal:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and sealing in flavor.
- 1 cup onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a tender base for all the spices.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Offers a subtle citrusy undertone.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle wake-up call for your taste buds with a bit of heat.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic brightness.
- 12 ounces jalapeno flavored sausage, sliced: The star protein that packs smoky, spicy flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock: Creates the broth that cooks the pasta and blends flavors seamlessly.
- 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- 14.5oz can fire roasted tomatoes: Delivers a smoky sweetness to the sauce.
- 4oz can diced green chiles: Introduces vibrant, mild heat and color.
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini): Holds onto the sauce perfectly with its spiral shape.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle spice and depth.
- 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed: Brings hearty texture and a touch of earthiness.
- 15.25oz can sweet corn, drained and rinsed: Offers bright pops of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided): Melts to creamy perfection with some reserved for a gooey topping.
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds fresh brightness and a lovely green contrast on top.
How to Make One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook while stirring occasionally until it softens and becomes translucent. This step lays the flavorful foundation by coaxing out the natural sweetness and tenderness from the onion.
Step 2: Toast the Spices and Garlic
Next, sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the minced garlic and cook everything together for about one minute, stirring constantly. This releases the lovely aromas of the spices and garlic, ensuring every bite bursts with personality.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Add the sliced jalapeno sausage to the pan. Allow it to cook for a minute or so until it starts browning slightly, which enhances its smoky, spicy flavor and adds a beautiful color contrast that makes the dish more inviting.
Step 4: Combine Liquids and Base Ingredients
Pour in the chicken stock and half and half or heavy cream. Then add the fire roasted tomatoes with their juices, diced green chiles, uncooked rotini pasta, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine so the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the tasty broth.
Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been soaked up. This process melds all the flavors together beautifully in one pot.
Step 6: Add Beans and Corn
Stir in the drained black beans and sweet corn, letting them warm through for a few minutes. This adds heartiness and bursts of sweetness that perfectly complement the spicy sausage and smoky tomato base.
Step 7: Melt in the Cheese
Turn off the heat and mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce that coats every twist of pasta. This step makes the dish irresistibly rich and velvety.
Step 8: Let Cheese Melt on Top and Garnish
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover the pot, and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt to gooey perfection. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the pasta for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cilantro leaves adds a fresh, zesty kick that brightens every mouthful. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice for an added tangy twist. For those who love some extra crunch, sliced green onions or crushed tortilla chips make excellent topping options too.
Side Dishes
This One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or a side of Mexican street corn for even more bold flavors. Warm tortillas also make a great accompaniment if you want to scoop up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve the pasta family-style straight from the pot for a cozy, inviting vibe. For a flourish at parties, portion into individual bowls or small cast iron skillets and top with a few avocado slices or a sprinkle of chopped fresh jalapeños. Presentation can be as fun and vibrant as the dish itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the dish even tastier, though the pasta may soak up more sauce and become thicker.
Freezing
This pasta doesn’t freeze as well due to the creamy sauce and beans, which can alter texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated to preserve its vibrant flavors and creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While jalapeno flavored sausage adds a perfect spicy kick, you can substitute with chorizo, Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage depending on your preference. Just adjust the spices accordingly.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the rotini pasta for a gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a flexible option.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the half and half or heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a cashew cream for that creamy texture. Use a dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether for a lighter version that still tastes delicious.
How spicy is this One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the jalapeno flavored sausage and optional red pepper flakes. You can reduce or increase the spiciness to suit your taste by tweaking these ingredients or adding fresh jalapenos.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a little chicken stock or water, stirring frequently. This keeps the creamy sauce smooth and prevents the pasta from becoming dry or mushy.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about making a wholesome meal that requires just one pot, yet delivers such bold and layered flavors. This One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe is a true testament to how fuss-free cooking can be irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends, this dish promises to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and fill bellies with hearty warmth. Give it a try and let it become a cherished staple in your recipe repertoire!
Print
One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This One Pot Mexican Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining spicy jalapeno sausage, fire roasted tomatoes, black beans, and corn with tender rotini pasta, all simmered together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 12 ounces jalapeno flavored sausage, sliced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 14.5oz can fire roasted tomatoes
- 4oz can diced green chiles
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15.25oz can sweet corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook onion: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add spices and garlic: Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes if using, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sliced jalapeno sausage to the skillet. Cook for another minute to brown slightly and develop flavor.
- Add liquids and main ingredients: Pour in the chicken stock and half and half (or heavy cream). Add the fire roasted tomatoes with their juices, diced green chiles, pasta, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate beans and corn: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans and sweet corn. Continue heating for a few minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat. Stir in half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and blends creamily throughout the pasta.
- Finish with remaining cheese and garnish: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use rotini or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
- Adjust the spice level by omitting or adding red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or omit entirely.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Half and half can be substituted with heavy cream for a richer taste or milk for a lighter version.
