Southwestern Pasta
Salsa, cumin, and a pinch of chili powder simmer in olive oil until the kitchen fills with that unmistakable Southwestern warmth. Black beans and corn go in next. Then the penne gets tossed through the sauce, and dinner is done.
732 kcal, 24 grams of fiber, and 29 grams of plant-based protein from nine ingredients and one pan.
Salsa, cumin, and a pinch of chili powder simmer in olive oil until the kitchen fills with that unmistakable Southwestern warmth. Black beans and corn go in next. Then the penne gets tossed through the sauce, and dinner is done.
732 kcal, 24 grams of fiber, and 29 grams of plant-based protein from nine ingredients and one pan.
Ingredients
- penne, whole wheat 3 ounces
- black beans 5 ounces
- corn 5 ounces
- olive oil 1 tablespoon
- salsa 5 fluid ounces
- vegetable bouillon 0.5 cube
- water 0.5 cup
- ground cumin 1 teaspoon
- chili powder 1 pinch
Method
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Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package in a large pot of lightly salted water. Drain and set aside.
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Rinse the black beans and corn and let them drain.
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Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the salsa, water, bouillon cube, cumin, and chili powder. Stir and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
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Add the black beans and corn to the sauce and stir through. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
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Add the pasta to the pan and mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve the pasta warm.
Crumble the bouillon cube before adding it to the sauce. Whole cubes take longer to dissolve and leave concentrated salty spots in the liquid. One quick crush between your fingers, then stir it in.
Behind this recipe
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Straight swap, same amount. The fiber drops from 24 grams to roughly 18 grams since whole wheat penne carries more fiber per serving than white pasta. Everything else (macros, timing, method) stays the same.
What kind of salsa should I use?
Any store-bought salsa works, chunky or smooth, mild or hot. The 150 ml simmers down with the bouillon and spices to become the sauce base, so a thinner salsa concentrates into a more intense flavor, while a chunky salsa keeps visible tomato pieces throughout.
How do I add more protein without changing the recipe too much?
The 29 grams of protein come entirely from black beans and whole wheat pasta. Stirring in crumbled firm tofu or serving with a side of Greek yogurt are the two simplest additions. Both pair with the Southwestern flavor profile without requiring extra cookware.
