Pasta Mexicana

Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this vibrant Pasta Mexicana recipe! This easy-to-make dish combines tender penne pasta with a medley of colorful vegetables, creamy cheddar cheese, and zesty spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, creating a fusion of comfort and spice. Black beans, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles bring classic Mexican flair to every bite, while a splash of heavy cream adds a luscious, indulgent texture. Topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright finish, Pasta Mexicana is perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s satisfying, flavorful, and ready in just 35 minutes. Whether you're craving a unique twist on pasta or a crowd-pleasing vegetarian recipe, this dish delivers on all fronts!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
• 1 small, finely chopped jalapeño
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups, shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 large, cut into wedges lime

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, diced red and green bell peppers, and chopped jalapeño. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4

Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly with the spices.

Step 5

Add the black beans, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles to the skillet. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Step 7

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and vegetables.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the dish.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot. Squeeze fresh lime juice over each serving for a vibrant finishing touch. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2276.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3769.1

Total Fat 171.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 380.7mg	0%
Sodium 6208.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 426.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 57.4g	0%
Total Sugars 37.8g
Protein 116.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1130.6mg	0%
Iron 26.5mg	0%
Potassium 3433.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.5%

Protein: 12.6%

Carbs: 45.9%