No Meat Chili Pasta
A hearty, meat-free chili pasta featuring flavorful tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal with a spicy, savory kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a large skillet or pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the chopped onion for 2 minutes.
- Add undrained chopped tomatoes, drained red beans, chili powder, cumin, and tomato paste to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Toss the cooked and drained elbow macaroni into the chili mixture.
- Serve topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider incorporating bell peppers or corn into the chili mixture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. You can also adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper. This dish is perfect for using up pantry staples, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili pasta topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a light salad like Apple Cauliflower Salad for a well-rounded meal. This dish is also excellent for meal prep, making it easy to portion out for lunch throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover No Meat Chili Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Meat Chili Pasta contains roughly 433 calories, with 22g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili pasta ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will even improve as it sits. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid when stored.
Is it possible to freeze the No Meat Chili Pasta?
Absolutely! You can freeze the chili pasta in individual servings for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use instead of red beans?
If you don't have red beans on hand, you can substitute them with black beans or pinto beans. Both options will work well and add a different flavor profile to the dish, making it versatile and adaptable.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).