If you think all pasta dishes have to be Italian, think again! This delectable Creamy Southwestern Chipotle Beef Pasta is a Tex-Mex twist on an all-time classic. Picture a grown-up version of Beef-a-roni, with a smoky and creamy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, or even a vegan meat substitute, this dish can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Key Takeaways
What Sets This Pasta Apart?
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Quick and Easy: This flavorful pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meal ideas.
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A Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, this Tex-Mex pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It has the power to bring people together and create unforgettable moments.
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Simplicity at its Best: With just a few simple ingredients like poblanos, shallots, sour cream, and cheese, this recipe is both delicious and easy to make. Shallots, known for their milder taste, cook quickly and add a delightful flavor to the dish.
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Unbeatable Creaminess: The combination of sour cream, cheese, and starchy pasta water creates an irresistibly creamy texture that will have you going back for seconds.
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Spicy or Mild: If you’re a fan of spicy food, a single chipotle pepper will give your taste buds a gentle kick. If you prefer milder flavors, substitute it with 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika.
The Recipe: What You’ll Need
This recipe is a true standout, elevating classic Southwestern flavors to new heights. It brings together the perfect combination of ingredients, ensuring that no flavor goes to waste.
- 1 pound cavatappi or any other short pasta
- 2 poblano peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef (or your preferred meat substitute)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons beef stock concentrate
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 canned chipotle pepper, minced, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (see note)
- 2/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Serving Suggestion: Chopped cilantro or scallion greens
How to Make Creamy Southwestern Chipotle Beef Pasta
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Tex-Mex pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds:
Directions
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat (without oil), cook the poblano peppers and shallots until they become lightly charred and tender. This should take around 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of oil, followed by the ground beef. Use a spoon or cooking utensil to break up the beef, allowing it to cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes.
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Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the taco seasoning, garlic powder, and beef stock concentrate. Cook for one minute before adding the tomato paste, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and 2/3 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together, then add the sour cream and shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the mixture warms through and the cheese has melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Add more pasta water if you prefer a creamier consistency.
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Serve the pasta topped with chopped cilantro or scallion greens and enjoy!
Note: If you’d like to use spices from your pantry, you can create a homemade taco seasoning mix and store it in a lidded container for up to two months.
Explore More Tex Mex Delights
If this Tex-Mex Chipotle Beef Pasta has caught your eye, you’re sure to love these other flavorful dishes:
- Carbonara Style Pasta with Cabbage and Sausage
- Brothy Pasta with Peas and Brown Buttered Pretzels
- Chicken with Balsamic Tomato Sauce and Garlic Buttered Noodles
- Cheesy Pasta with Breadcrumbs and Whipped Brown Butter Vinaigrette
- Best Beef Stroganoff with Vodka Sauce
- Keto Beef Curry
- Easy Beef Tostadas
Grab your apron and get ready to embark on a Tex-Mex flavor adventure with this Creamy Southwestern Chipotle Beef Pasta. Don’t miss out—visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ for more mouthwatering recipes like this one.
