Mexi Cali Penne

Get ready to savor the vibrant fusion of Mexican and Californian flavors with this irresistible Mexi Cali Penne recipe! This creamy, spicy pasta dish brings together tender penne coated in a luscious, chili-spiced tomato and heavy cream sauce, complemented by the hearty addition of black beans, sweet corn, and fresh bell peppers. Finished with gooey melted cheddar, zesty lime wedges, buttery avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, every bite is a fiesta of bold, comforting tastes. With just 15 minutes of prep time, Mexi Cali Penne is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner while still delivering a gourmet twist. Whether you're craving comfort food or something vibrant and fresh, this easy one-skillet meal is guaranteed to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup canned corn, drained
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, sliced into wedges
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, and sauté for 5 minutes until they are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the black beans, canned corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.

Step 8

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

Step 9

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and diced avocado.

Step 10

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy your Mexi Cali Penne!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2219.9 grams (2219.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3621

Total Fat 177.90g	228%
Saturated Fat 80.20g	401%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 360mg	120%
Sodium 4825mg	210%
Total Carbohydrate 407.30g	148%
Dietary Fiber 58.60g	209%
Total Sugars 35.20g
Protein 103.50g	207%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1096mg	84%
Iron 25mg	138%
Potassium 4135mg	88%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.9%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 44.7%