The dish is a colorful mix of thin, al-dente noodles mixed with rich tomato sauce, bites of green and yellow bell peppers, topped with a sprinkle of queso fresco and fresh cilantro.

Mexican-Inspired Winter Pasta

Name: Mexican-Inspired Winter Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: dried spaghetti noodles, 6 ounces; olive oil, 1 tablespoon; yellow onion, 1/2 finely diced; garlic cloves, 2 finely chopped; green bell pepper, 1 sliced into thin strips; yellow bell pepper, 1 sliced into thin strips; large tomato, 1 diced; tomato paste, 1 tablespoon; cumin, 1 teaspoon; smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon; salt, to taste; freshly ground pepper, to taste; queso fresco cheese, for serving crumbled; cilantro, for serving chopped

Category Main Course

Prep 10 minutes

Cook 15 minutes

Style Mexican

Technique Boiling

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: January 02, 2023

This Mexican-inspired pasta recipe makes the most of seasonal vegetables to bring bold flavors and colors to your plate. Inspired by traditional Mexican ingredients, this pasta dish adds a modern twist to a classic Italian dish, perfect for a cold January evening.

Ingredients (for 2)

Dried spaghetti noodles - 6 ounces
Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Yellow onion - 1/2 - finely diced
Garlic cloves - 2 - finely chopped
Green bell pepper - 1 - sliced into thin strips
Yellow bell pepper - 1 - sliced into thin strips
Large tomato - 1 - diced
Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
Cumin - 1 teaspoon
Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
Salt - to taste
Freshly ground pepper - to taste
Queso fresco cheese - for serving - crumbled
Cilantro - for serving - chopped

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍝🕰️💦

Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 2 - 🔥🧅🧄

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3 - 🔥🌶️👀

Add bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 4 - 🍅🥄🌶️🧂

Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring until combined.
Step 5 - 🍅🥄🔥

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Step 6 - 🍝🥄🍅

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the sauce until all noodles are coated in sauce.
Step 7 - 🍝🥄🧀🌿🔥

Divide pasta into two bowls and top with crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro. Serve hot.

Additional

For a gluten-free option, swap out the spaghetti noodles for a gluten-free pasta alternative. A squeeze of fresh lime juice on top of the finished dish can add a bit of brightness to the flavors. You can also add some roasted corn or avocado for extra creaminess.