When you think of spaghetti, your mind may wander to traditional Italian meals, but have you ever considered giving your pasta dish a zesty twist? Mexican spaghetti combines the heartiness of traditional pasta with the vibrant flavors characteristic of Mexican cuisine. This unique fusion dish is not only easy to prepare but also packs a delightful punch of flavor that will surely become a favorite in your household.
Why We Love This Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
This Mexican spaghetti recipe is a perfect representation of culinary creativity. By merging two beloved cuisines, you can enjoy the comfort of spaghetti with a kick that only Mexican flavors can offer. What makes this dish especially appealing is its versatility. Whether you are feeding a family or having friends over for dinner, this one-pot wonder allows you to whip up a wholesome meal effortlessly.
Moreover, the use of ground chicken as your protein source makes this dish lighter yet satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a hearty dish that not only satisfies hunger but is also nutritious. The inclusion of veggies adds color and additional nutrients, rounding out your meal beautifully.
Ingredients about Mexican Spaghetti
To create this mouthwatering Mexican spaghetti, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken (90% lean or higher)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 can of tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups water
- 1 box Banza spaghetti noodles
- 2 tbsp green onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Colby Jack Cheese, shredded
These ingredients create a beautiful symphony of flavors that combine to produce a satisfying meal that you can enjoy any day of the week.
How to Make Mexican Spaghetti Directions
Now let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dish. You’ll find that the steps are straightforward, making it an excellent choice for home cooks of any experience level.
- Prepare the Vegetables: First, you’ll want to dice your white onion and bell pepper. This step sets the foundation for the flavor of your dish.
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and coat it with a light layer of cooking spray. Add the ground chicken, minced garlic, diced white onion, diced bell pepper, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook this mixture until the ground chicken is no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes), stirring occasionally to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Sauces and Water: Once the chicken is cooked through, add the canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 2 cups of water to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Incorporate the Noodles: Next, take your Banza spaghetti noodles and break them into thirds (this makes them easier to mix). Add the broken noodles to the skillet, ensuring that they are fully submerged in the sauce. Use a large spoon to mix everything together carefully.
- Simmer to Perfection: Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture simmer for about 25 minutes. Be sure to stir it every five minutes to prevent the noodles from sticking together or clumping at the bottom.
- Final Touches: Once the noodles are fully cooked and tender, your Mexican spaghetti is ready to be served! Remove it from heat and sprinkle with Pepper Jack cheese, Colby Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, and green onions. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also top it with fresh avocado slices.
Enjoy every bite of this savory twist on a classic dish!
How to Serve Mexican Spaghetti
Serving your Mexican spaghetti can be as fun as making it. You have a couple of options to elevate your dining experience. You might consider serving individual portions in bowls, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to add a creamy element.
For a festive touch, serve it with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh salad dressed in lime vinaigrette. You can also offer a variety of toppings to let your guests customize their servings. Think jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocados for an added fresh crunch. This approach not only enhances the presentation but also allows everyone to join in on the fun of building their perfect bowl of Mexican spaghetti!
Expert Tips: Mexican Spaghetti
To make this dish truly your own, here are some expert tips to consider:
- Choose the Right Ground Meat: While ground chicken is a healthier choice, you could swap it out for ground turkey or lean beef, depending on your preference.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the chicken for an extra kick of flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Don’t shy away from bulking up your dish with additional vegetables. Consider adding zucchini, corn, or black beans for more texture and nutrients.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While Pepper Jack and Colby Jack provide a great flavor, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or even crumbled feta for a twist.
- Use Gluten-Free Options: If you’re searching for gluten-free options, Banza spaghetti noodles are a fantastic choice, made from chickpeas. You can also explore other gluten-free pasta types available in stores.
How to Store Mexican Spaghetti
Storing leftovers is straightforward. Let the Mexican spaghetti cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. It’s best to freeze this dish for a maximum of three months.
When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems a bit dry.
Variation of Mexican Spaghetti
You can get creative with how you prepare your Mexican spaghetti! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground chicken for a meat substitute like lentils or plant-based protein crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Cheesy Bake: After cooking, transfer the spaghetti to a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and broil for a few minutes until melted and bubbly for a delicious cheesy bake.
- Creamy Style: Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking for a creamy version of Mexican spaghetti that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Spicy Version: Incorporate diced green chilies or a hot salsa to the sauce for a spicier twist.
FAQ: Mexican Spaghetti
What makes Mexican spaghetti different from traditional spaghetti?
Mexican spaghetti takes inspiration from traditional spaghetti dishes but introduces vibrant Mexican ingredients like taco seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spices. This fusion results in bold flavors and a satisfying meal that is different from the classic Italian version.
Can I use other pastas instead of Banza spaghetti?
Absolutely! While Banza offers a gluten-free chickpea option, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as regular spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, depending on your taste and dietary needs.
How long does Mexican spaghetti last in the fridge?
Mexican spaghetti can last in the refrigerator for about four days when stored properly in an airtight container. For long-term storage, consider freezing it, which can extend its shelf life to about three months.
Is Mexican spaghetti suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Mexican spaghetti is incredibly suitable for meal prep! This dish holds up well, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Mexican Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (90% lean or higher)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 white onion diced
- 1 cup bell pepper diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp cilantro chopped
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups water
- 1 box Banza spaghetti noodles
- 2 tbsp green onion chopped
- 1/2 cup Pepper Jack Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Colby Jack Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Dice the white onion and bell pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken, garlic, onion, bell pepper, and taco seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Break Banza spaghetti noodles into thirds and add them to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring every five minutes.
- Once noodles are cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle with Pepper Jack cheese, Colby Jack cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Optionally, top with fresh avocado slices.
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