If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and packed with nutrition, my spicy queso protein pasta is just the ticket! This dish combines the creamy, zesty goodness of queso cheese sauce with the heartiness of whole wheat pasta and protein-rich ingredients like chicken and black beans. Trust me, the first bite will have you hooked! It’s not only delicious but also a fantastic way to fuel your day with wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a meal prep option. Plus, it comes together in just 25 minutes! You’ll love how the spices dance on your palate, making every forkful a delightful experience. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying!
Ingredients for Spicy Queso Protein Pasta
Gather these simple yet satisfying ingredients to whip up your spicy queso protein pasta. Trust me, having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process a breeze!
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (I love using penne or rotini for great sauce coverage!)
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce (You can use store-bought or homemade—either way, it’s the star of the show!)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here!)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (Feel free to use canned for convenience!)
- 1/2 cup corn, drained (Frozen corn is a great option—just toss it in with the other ingredients!)
- 1 tsp chili powder (Adjust to your spice preference—don’t be shy!)
- 1/2 tsp cumin (This adds a fantastic depth of flavor!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Always taste as you go!)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (A sprinkle adds a fresh burst of flavor—yum!)
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking for a seamless experience. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Spicy Queso Protein Pasta
Let’s dive into the fun part—making your spicy queso protein pasta! It’s really a straightforward process that’ll have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in about 25 minutes!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your 8 oz of whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 7-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When it’s done, drain the pasta but save a little of that pasta water just in case you need to loosen things up later!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Skillet
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your shredded cooked chicken, rinsed black beans, drained corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it warm up, about 3-4 minutes. This is where the flavors really start to meld together—yum!
Step 3: Add Queso Cheese Sauce
Now for the star of the show! Pour in your 1 cup of queso cheese sauce and stir until it’s all combined. Keep the heat on medium and let it warm through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when everything is bubbly and gooey—just how a queso sauce should be!
Step 4: Mix Pasta with Sauce
Once your pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet with the cheesy mixture. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Heat it all together for another minute or two, just to ensure everything is nice and hot!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to plate up! Serve your spicy queso protein pasta in bowls and don’t forget to sprinkle with fresh cilantro for that extra pop of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with some crunchy tortilla chips on the side for that delightful contrast. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My spicy queso protein pasta is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience you’ll want to savor again and again! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this dish:
- Quick and Easy: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and black beans, and made with whole wheat pasta, it’s a wholesome choice that keeps you fueled and satisfied.
- Flavor-Packed: The creamy queso and zesty spices create a mouthwatering blend that’s sure to please your taste buds and make you crave more!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap in your favorite veggies—it’s a dish that can adapt to your preferences!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this comforting bowl of goodness!
Tips for Success
To make sure your spicy queso protein pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my go-to tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level; if you love heat, add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. On the other hand, if you prefer it milder, simply cut back on the chili powder. Also, remember to taste as you go—seasoning is key!
For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for some sautéed bell peppers or zucchini, and use a plant-based queso sauce. You can also add fresh spinach for a burst of color and nutrition!
Lastly, if you find your sauce thickening too much, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile of my spicy queso protein pasta. Each serving is estimated to have about 350 calories, making it a filling and satisfying meal. You’ll get around 20 grams of protein, which is fantastic for keeping you energized throughout the day. In terms of fats, it contains about 10 grams, including 5 grams of saturated fat. It also has 50 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full longer. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use!
FAQ about Spicy Queso Protein Pasta
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love whole wheat pasta for its nuttiness and added fiber, you can easily swap it for any pasta you have on hand. Penne, rotini, or even gluten-free options like chickpea or lentil pasta work beautifully in this spicy queso protein pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they can vary. The key is to cook it until it’s al dente for the best texture!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra queso sauce to loosen it up if needed. Microwave works too, just be cautious not to overheat it!
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! To whip up a vegetarian version of this spicy queso protein pasta, simply omit the chicken and load up on veggies instead. Sauté some bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms for added texture and flavor. You can also add in some extra black beans or chickpeas for that protein boost! Just make sure to use a plant-based queso sauce to keep it creamy and delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your spicy queso protein pasta is super easy! Once it’s cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner later in the week!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is a breeze. I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra queso sauce to help revive that creamy texture. Stir it gently until heated through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
If you’re short on time, the microwave works too! Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might lose that glorious creaminess!
Print
Spicy Queso Protein Pasta: 25 Minutes to Flavor Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A delicious and nutritious pasta dish featuring a spicy queso sauce and protein-rich ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn, drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, combine the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add the queso cheese sauce and heat until warm.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and heat through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder.
- Serve with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: spicy queso protein pasta