Mexican Penne
Spice up your pasta night with this irresistible Mexican Penne—a bold and flavorful fusion of Italian comfort food and vibrant Mexican cuisine. This one-pan wonder combines tender penne pasta with hearty ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option), savory taco-seasoned sauce, and a medley of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Topped with melted Mexican cheese blend and garnished with fresh cilantro and optional jalapeño slices, every bite packs a punch of cheesy, zesty deliciousness. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and watch it become a new dinnertime favorite. Ideal for fans of Mexican-American fusion recipes, this dish hits all the right notes of comfort, flavor, and versatility!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 15 oz canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 medium jalapeño, sliced (for garnish, optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 0.5 cup soured cream (for serving, optional)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat. Stir to combine, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and frozen corn. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the salsa and cooked penne pasta, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Mexican Penne!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
595 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.9 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.3 g | 71% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 96 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 952 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.3 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 29.4 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 283 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 808 mg | 17% | |
*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.
