One-Dish Tex Mex Pasta
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: One-Dish Meal
Servings: 2
Introduction
This Tex Mex Pasta recipe by the celebrated chef Sanjeev Kapoor is a mouthwatering fusion of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors that will leave you coming back for more. A great one-dish meal, it combines the richness of pasta with the boldness of Tex Mex ingredients, creating a dish that’s not only filling but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish brings together the best of pasta, vegetables, and spices. Enjoy it fresh from the oven with gooey cheese and a delightful crunch from the tortilla chips.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fettuccine | 200 g |
| Canola oil | 1 tbsp |
| Zucchini | 1 medium |
| Red bell pepper | 1 |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1 |
| Green bell pepper | 1 |
| Chili-flavored olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Tortilla chips | 8-10 pieces |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup (grated) |
| Garlic cloves | 4 cloves |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Red chilies | 2 |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Tomato puree | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 973.3 kcal |
| Fat Content | 49 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 12.7 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 128.2 mg |
| Sodium Content | 436.5 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 106.8 g |
| Fiber Content | 10.8 g |
| Sugar Content | 16.9 g |
| Protein Content | 32.8 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the fettuccine and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite).
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with a little canola oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a non-stick pan, heat the canola oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and onion. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onions turn golden brown.
- Add the red chilies, bell peppers, cumin seeds, and red chili powder. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the tomato puree and continue to stir. Cook for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt to taste and remove from the heat. Let the mixture cool completely.
- Once cooled, stir in the fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice for a fresh, zesty finish.
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In another pan, heat the chili-flavored olive oil.
- Add the zucchini and bell peppers (red, yellow, and green). Season with salt to taste.
- Stir-fry for 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Set aside.
-
Assemble the Tex Mex Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Take a large baking dish and spread a generous layer of salsa at the bottom.
- Crumble the tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the salsa layer.
- Add the cooled vegetable mixture over the tortilla chips.
- Top with the boiled fettuccine pasta and spread it evenly in the dish.
- Cover the pasta with a layer of grated mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange the jalapeno peppers over the cheese for an extra kick.
-
Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown on top.
-
Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the deliciously creamy and crunchy Tex Mex Pasta with a touch of spice!
Tips for the Best Tex Mex Pasta:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the number of red chilies and jalapenos. You can also use mild chili-flavored olive oil instead of spicy.
- Vegetable Variations: This recipe is versatile—feel free to add other vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the flavors.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Add Protein: For extra protein, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or even beans to the pasta mix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and Filling: With a rich combination of sautéed vegetables, savory spices, and gooey melted cheese, this one-dish meal is as comforting as it is flavorful.
- Easy to Make: Though it has multiple steps, the process is straightforward and doesn’t require complex techniques.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels, add your favorite veggies, or swap in different cheeses to make this dish your own.
This Tex Mex Pasta is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal with a little bit of heat and a lot of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the perfect balance of fresh vegetables, pasta, cheese, and Tex Mex goodness in every bite.
