Tex-Mex One-Skillet Pasta
Try this Tex-Mex one-skillet pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Tex-Mex one-skillet pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 6 oz. {2 links} chicken sausage thinly sliced {any smoked flavor will do. i used a chipotle + cheese flavor, which i highly reccommend!}
- 1 jalapeno, diced {seeded + de-ribbed if looking for less heat
- 1 {10 oz.} can diced tomatoes w/chiles {i used ro-tel hot with ha
- 8 oz. orecchiette pasta
- 2 cups brussles sprouts shredded or de-leaved
- 1/2 up shredded mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 up green scallions sliced
- Carbohydrate 3.42466666666667 g
- Cholesterol 613.333333333333 mg
- Fat 123.194 g
- Fiber 0.623333350817363 g
- Protein 152.51 g
- Saturated Fat 35.2616222222222 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (854g)
- Sodium 573.911111111111 mg
- Sugar 2.8013333158493 g
- Trans Fat 10.4778222222222 g
- Calories 1773 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the chicken sausage to the skillet and saute until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Add the onion and jalapeno to the skillet with the chicken sausage. Continue to saute until the veggies have softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the Rotel and chicken broth. Stir to combine and use your spatula to break up any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the uncooked pasta and Brussels sprouts to the skillet, submerging both under the liquid.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover.
- Cook, covered, for 14 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Remove the lid, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, replace the lid, and let it sit for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Add the scallions for garnish and serve! Enjoy!
Tex-Mex One-Skillet Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and endless emails, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of one-skillet meals – they're quick, easy, and minimize cleanup. This Tex-Mex One-Skillet Pasta is a perfect example. It's packed with flavor, surprisingly healthy (if you choose the right ingredients), and comes together in under 20 minutes. Honestly, on those crazy weeknights, it's my lifesaver.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand. Don't have Brussels sprouts? Substitute spinach or broccoli. Not a fan of chipotle sausage? Use Italian sausage or even ground beef. The key is to get a good balance of flavors – the smoky sausage, the spicy Rotel, the sweetness of the onion, and the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts all work together to create a truly satisfying dish. And let's not forget the creamy melted cheese which brings it all together!
I often make a double batch on Sundays, then store half in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner during the week. The leftovers are just as delicious as the original, if not more so, as the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s also great for meal prepping, a practice I've come to rely on to keep my family fed and happy throughout the week.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe is relatively healthy. Pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, the chicken sausage offers lean protein, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and fiber. While it’s not exactly a diet meal, it's definitely more nutritious than many other quick and convenient options. And of course, choosing whole-wheat pasta and low-fat sausage will bump up the nutritional value. It's all about balance, right?
This recipe isn't just about speed and convenience; it's also about the joy of creating a satisfying meal for yourself and your loved ones. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, taking a moment to create something delicious and nourishing feels incredibly rewarding. The happy faces around the dinner table as everyone enjoys this one-skillet pasta are the best reward. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try. You might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken sausage with firm tofu or mushrooms.
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add a can of black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Use different types of pasta – penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
This Tex-Mex One-Skillet Pasta is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious meals that can fit even the busiest of lives. I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
