One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta
One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience packed with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish combines the goodness of black beans, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy pasta in a single pot. It’s an easy recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing and your kitchen minimalistic—what’s not to love?
A Personal Story Behind My One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table to enjoy comforting meals that brought us closer together. One of my fondest memories is of my mother whipping up a quick pasta dish filled with whatever she had on hand. Inspired by those moments, I created this One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta recipe. It captures the essence of family meals while being incredibly easy to prepare, making it a staple in my home.
What Makes This One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and heartiness. The combination of black beans and pasta creates a dish that is not only filling but also nutritious. The colorful bell peppers add a sweet crunch, while the melted mozzarella cheese brings everything together in gooey perfection. With minimal cleanup and a cooking time of just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for those busy nights when you still want a homemade meal.
The Full One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 15 oz can of diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 7 oz can corn kernels
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stock (chicken or vegetable)
- 2 cups small pasta shapes
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine all the ingredients, including the pasta and stock. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. This is a great time to prep your toppings, like lime wedges and cilantro.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Make sure to keep an eye on the pasta, as different shapes may need slight adjustments in cooking time.
- After 15 minutes, stir in the lime juice and shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. This will add that creamy texture we all love!
- (Optional) Serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro on top for an added zing and color.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta
This One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta is versatile! You can serve it with a side of crispy tortilla chips or a refreshing salad. For added protein, consider mixing in some cooked chicken or ground beef. If you like it spicy, adding jalapeños can give it a nice kick! This dish is also perfect for meal prep; just store leftovers in airtight containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different shapes or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 280
- Servings: 4
One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta
Equipment
- Medium pot For cooking the pasta and ingredients together.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces bell peppers, sliced
- 0.25 cup red onion, sliced
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 7 oz corn kernels
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stock chicken or vegetable
- 2 cups small pasta shapes
- 0.5 pieces lime, juiced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine all the ingredients, including the pasta and stock. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. This is a great time to prep your toppings, like lime wedges and cilantro.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Make sure to keep an eye on the pasta, as different shapes may need slight adjustments in cooking time.
- After 15 minutes, stir in the lime juice and shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. This will add that creamy texture we all love!
- (Optional) Serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro on top for an added zing and color.