Zesty Southwestern Black Bean Pasta
Enjoy a vibrant and hearty meal with this Zesty Southwestern Black Bean Pasta! Bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables, spices, and creamy goodness, this meat-free dish offers a delightful kick that will satisfy your taste buds. The combination of black beans, corn, and roasted peppers provides a flavorful and nutritious base, while the light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese keep it creamy without being heavy. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this delicious pasta dish is quick to prepare and will impress everyone at the table!
8
Servings
312
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons
Crushed tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can
Onion
1 (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (or to taste)
Oregano
2 teaspoons
Diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can
Roasted red peppers
1 (7 ounce) can (drained and diced)
Black beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
Frozen corn kernels
1 1/2 cups
Light sour cream
1/2 cup
Pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente (rotelle, wagon wheels or penne work well))
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (reduced fat version if desired)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of water or oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is softened and translucent.
2
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, salt, black pepper, chili powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet; allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
After 15 minutes, add the diced green chilies, roasted red peppers, black beans, and frozen corn to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
5
In a small bowl, take out 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture and mix it with the light sour cream until well blended. Return this mixture back to the skillet and stir it in thoroughly.
6
To serve, place 1 cup of the cooked pasta onto each plate, topping it generously with about 1 cup of the zesty sauce. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each serving.
7
For a more convenient method, mix together 2-3 cups of the cooked pasta with the sauce and cheese in the skillet, then serve directly from there.
Nutrition Information
43.8g
Carbs
11.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwestern Black Bean Pasta?
It is a vibrant and hearty meat-free meal bursting with fresh vegetables, spices, and creamy goodness, featuring black beans, corn, and roasted peppers.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian and is a delicious meat-free option.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 312 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this pasta?
There are 11.2 grams of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 43.8 grams of carbohydrates.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 16 ingredients.
What type of pasta is recommended?
You can use 1 lb of pasta cooked al dente; rotelle, wagon wheels, or penne work particularly well.
What spices are used to create the Southwestern flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of cumin, chili powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of tomatoes are used for the sauce?
The sauce uses one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
How long should the tomato and spice mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes while covered.
What vegetables are added after the initial simmer?
After simmering, you add diced green chilies, roasted red peppers, black beans, and frozen corn.
What size can of black beans is required?
One 16-ounce can of drained black beans is needed.
How do I incorporate the sour cream into the sauce?
Take 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture and blend it with the light sour cream in a separate bowl before returning the mixture to the skillet.
What type of cheese is suggested for the topping?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended, specifically a reduced-fat version if desired.
How much cheese should be applied to each serving?
Each plate should be topped with 3 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I mix the pasta directly into the sauce?
Yes, for convenience you can mix 2-3 cups of cooked pasta directly with the sauce and cheese in the skillet.
How much frozen corn is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of frozen corn kernels.
What size can of diced green chilies is needed?
A 4-ounce can of diced green chilies is used.
Is there a specific way to prepare the onion?
One onion should be finely chopped and sautéed until softened and translucent.
How much chili powder is recommended?
2 teaspoons of chili powder are recommended, or more to taste.
What is the amount of roasted red peppers needed?
One 7-ounce can of roasted red peppers, drained and diced, is required.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, the red pepper flakes and chili powder can be adjusted to taste for a more or less spicy kick.
How much oregano is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of oregano.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetarian, pasta, spicy, black beans, southwestern, quick meal, healthy, and comfort food.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet with a small amount of water or oil.
How much light sour cream is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of light sour cream.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is described as a delicious pasta dish that is quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.