Spicy Viva La Pasta
A vibrant, spicy pasta dish packed with sausage, olives, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal that suits casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rainbow rotini ⓘ
- 12 oz. mild breakfast sausage ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, sliced
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rotini according to package instructions; drain.
- Cook sausage in a medium skillet until lightly browned, breaking it up coarsely; drain excess fat.
- Combine cooked rotini, sausage, corn, kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, green olives, chopped green bell pepper, sliced ripe olives, and shredded Cheddar cheese; mix well.
- In a small bowl, blend diced tomatoes with green chiles, vegetable oil, seasoned salt, and basil.
- Add the tomato mixture to the pasta and sausage mixture; toss until well coated.
- Chill the pasta salad well before serving.
- Toss again before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the flavors further. Ensure you drain the canned ingredients well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a hearty dinner. It can also be a delightful side at picnics or potlucks, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta salad in the microwave, adding a splash of water or oil to help restore moisture. Alternatively, serve cold for a refreshing dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Viva La Pasta contains roughly 316 calories, with 15g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 934mg per serving (41% 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 use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rainbow rotini adds a fun color, any pasta shape will work well. Penne, fusilli, or even whole grain pasta can provide a different texture and taste, making it versatile for your preferences.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the rotini with gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the labels on canned ingredients, as some may contain gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy the flavors of the Spicy Viva La Pasta.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
To prepare this dish in advance, you can cook the pasta and mix all the ingredients together a day before serving. Just store it in the refrigerator and toss it again with the dressing right before serving to ensure freshness and flavor.
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).