• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Email Series!

5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

Free email series of my best tips!

Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Free Email Series!

    5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

    Free email series of my best tips!

  • Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes

Rachel Cooks®

Easy Healthy-ish Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • Popular
    • Instant Pot Pinto Beans
    • Green Beans with Bacon
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
    • Beef Stew Seasoning
    • Chili Seasoning Recipe
    • Thousand Island Dressing
    • Poppy Seed Dressing
    • Copycat Panera Squash Soup
    • Chocolate Chip Blondies
    • Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast
    • Frosé
    • Best Chocolate Cake
    • Dill Vegetable Dip
    • Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
    • Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Learn to Cook
    • All The Basics
    • Crostini
    • Delicata Squash
    • Butternut Squash
    • Kabocha Squash
    • Spaghetti Squash
    • Guacamole
    • Croutons
    • Snap Peas
    • Baked Potatoes
    • Baked Bacon
    • Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
    • Simple Syrup
    • Pickled Red Onions Recipe
    • Toasted Pine Nuts
    • Roasted bone-in Chicken Breasts
    • Poached Chicken
    • Roasted Whole Chicken
    • Easy Cheese Sauce

Dinner Made Easy:

Slow Cooker

5 Ingredients

Grilling

Make Ahead

Sheet Pan

Tacos

Pizza

Home Recipes by Type Main Dish

Creamy Enchilada Sauce Recipe – so easy!

5
/5
15 mins
8 Comments
Jump to Recipe
By: Rachel GurkPosted: 08/13/2014Updated: 06/16/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

White pasta bowl containing creamy enchilada sauce and pasta.

Who says enchilada sauce needs to be used only for enchiladas? This DIY Pasta Bar with Creamy Enchilada Sauce is great for family dinner and entertaining!

White bowl of pasta with sauce and red peppers, garnished with cilantro.

This isn’t your normal enchilada sauce.

This is waaaaaaaay better. Way.

Because, cheese. And butter. And milk. Usually I use skim milk for this type of thing but lately I’ve been using whole because I have it in the fridge for N. And because it’s better. (Duh.)

When Anolon (sponsor) approached me and asked me to “Start from Scratch” with a pasta and pasta sauce, I decided to think outside the box a bit. Because…cheese. Wait, does that not work here? Anyways, enchilada pasta is one of my favorite things and I decided to make it a fun DIY pasta bar to keep things interesting and appeal to all tastes.

Clear glass bowl containing enchilada sauce, with saucepan in background.

Before we talk pasta, let’s talk about “Start from Scratch” for a minute. You’ll see a cake mix and a prepared ingredient here and there on my blog (ummm….toddlers!), but for the most part, I try to start from scratch. Because it tastes better AND it’s better for you.

This enchilada sauce is pretty simple to make. It’s a basic white sauce, “enchilada-fied”. Start with butter, melt it, whisk in flour, chili powder, salt, pepper….whisk in milk…thicken…add cheese.

5 ingredients plus salt and pepper. EASY. DELICIOUS. As always, my two favorite words.

Front view of enchilada sauce in small clear glass bowl, with spoon inserted. Sauce pan in background.

Before I get too far, I have to add that this sauce also doubles as an amazing dip for chips. A little too amazing. Break out the fat pants amazing.

Okay, now that we got the whole chip-situation out of the way, let’s talk about this southwestern pasta bar. I think this is such a fun idea for anyone really, but it’s great for a family or even better for entertaining. Each person can assemble their own pasta dish, exactly how they like, made to order.

Overhead view of fixings for pasta bar, including shredded chicken, tomatoes, chopped green onions, and cilantro.

Makings of a pasta bar:

  • Cheesy enchilada sauce, kept warm over low heat
  • Cooked pasta – whatever you like , or try gluten-free zucchini noodles
  • Shredded chicken (or steak…or tofu…or pork…or shrimp)
  • Sautéed peppers and onions
  • Toppings:  Toppings are always the best part of everything. What’s a sundae without sprinkles and hot fudge? What’s a taco without cheese and tomatoes? What’s enchilada pasta without green onions and tomatoes and all sorts of goodies? The options are endless — diced avocado, crisp tortilla strips, fresh cilantro — whatever you like!

Close up of pasta bowl containing creamy enchilada pasta.

Once you have everything set up, you just heat up a pan over medium heat, throw in your pasta, enchilada sauce, and whatever hot ingredients you want included. Cook it for just a couple of minutes until everything is heated through. And then let your family/friends/party guests top it however they like. It is so fun!

Creamy enchilada pasta in white bowl.

P.S.:  Anolon pans really are some of my favorites. Perfectly nonstick, perfectly heavy. Heavy enough to handle one-handed whisking but not so heavy that you’re going to pull a muscle getting them out of the cupboard. They’re durable and reliable. I love them.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

White pasta bowl containing creamy enchilada sauce and pasta.
Recipe

Get the Recipe: Creamy Enchilada Sauce + Pasta Bar

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
4 servings
Print Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Who says enchilada sauce needs to be used only for enchiladas? This DIY Pasta Bar with Creamy (cheesy!) Enchilada Sauce is great for family dinner and entertaining!

Ingredients

For the sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese

For the DIY pasta bar

  • Cooked pasta (or zucchini noodles!), of your choice
  • Cooked shredded chicken
  • Sautéed red peppers
  • Sautéed red onions
  • Garnishes
  • Chopped fresh tomatoes
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Fresh green onion, diced
  • Crisp tortilla strips
  • Chopped avocado

Instructions

  • For the sauce, in a 3.5 Qt. Anolon® Advanced Straining Saucepan (you could cook your pasta in this pan as well!), melt butter over medium heat. When melted, whisk in the flour, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. While whisking, slowly stir in the milk. Continue whisking until milk begins to thicken and bubble. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese until melted. If using for a DIY pasta bar, keep warm over low heat, whisking occasionally.
  • In a large skillet, add 1/2 cup creamy enchilada sauce with one cup of pasta, chicken, peppers and onions. Toss together in pan until all ingredients are combined and heated through. Top with desired garnishes.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is for sauce only.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1of 4, Calories: 185kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 332mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk
Did You Make This?Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @RachelCooksBlog. I love seeing what you made!
Share A Photo! Tag on Insta Rate It
You can also find the Creamy Enchilada Sauce recipe on Anolon.com. And remember, enchilada sauce is better with cheese.

*Disclosure: I was compensated by Anolon Gourmet Cookware for my time to develop and photograph this recipe but all opinions are my own, as always.

Free email series

5 Time & Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

Free email series of my best tips!

FREE BONUS!

You May Also Like...

  • Pasta in shallow white bowl, garnished with fresh arugula and grapes.
    Pasta with Grapes and Creamy Dijon Sauce
  • Pasta with pancetta and tomato sauce in white bowl.
    Pasta with Pancetta in a Smoky Tomato Sauce
  • Hot fudge sauce being drizzled on ice cream.
    Hot Fudge Recipe & 3 Variations
  • Overhead of two white soup bowls filled with chicken enchilada soup.
    Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup with Noodles
Israeli Couscous with Cherries and Apples - Find VeryCulinary.com's recipe on RachelCooks.com
Previous Post
Israeli Couscous with Cherries and Apple
Grilled Pesto and Tomato Pizza - find the recipe on RachelCooks.com
Next Post
Grilled Pizza with Pesto and Tomatoes {5 ingredients!}

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




The maximum upload file size: 1 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here

  1. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    August 14, 2014 at 1:53 am

    This looks so creamy and awesome! Love enchiladas and pasta so combining the two sounds fantastic!

    Reply
  2. Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says

    August 13, 2014 at 1:31 pm

    This is genius! Enchilada sauce for pasta? Yuuummm! I’ll be joining Taylor at your house for dinner if that’s cool, it’ll be a party!

    Reply
  3. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    August 13, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    I loooove enchiladas! I need this dish in my stomach now :)

    Reply
  4. Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says

    August 13, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    What a fun interactive meal! Love the idea of putting your own enchilada pasta together. Especially because so many people are picky about what toppings they like to add to enchiladas or tacos. My hunger pains are seriously kicking in!

    Reply
  5. Alaina {Fabtastic Eats} says

    August 13, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    This looks and sounds fantastic! I love the idea of a DIY pasta bar! so fun!

    Reply
  6. Ali | Gimme Some Oven says

    August 13, 2014 at 9:11 am

    LOVE the idea of a creamy enchilada sauce! So smart!! :)

    Reply
  7. steph@stephsbitebybite says

    August 13, 2014 at 9:10 am

    This is such a great idea!! So I’m not like a huge fan of tortillas, but I’m all over noodles, so now I’ve got an excuse to eat mexican food! Like all. the. time.

    Reply
  8. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says

    August 13, 2014 at 6:36 am

    Hey girl, I’m coming for dinner tonight and we’re gonna have pasta and wine ok?
    I hope you don’t mind.
    Seriously though, I LOVE this idea…heading over now!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Rachel! Life can be complicated, cooking shouldn't be! I believe that you can put a delicious meal on the table without stressing. It's possible, and I'm here to help. Have a seat at my table...let's chat, eat, and have fun! Read more...

Air Fryer Instant Pot 30 Minutes One Pan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Vegetarian 5 Ingredients

Trending

Cooked salmon fillet on a grey-toned plate with cooked asparagus spears. The salmon is being flaked with a fork.

Air Fryer Salmon – easy and delicious!

Pizza pasta being scooped from a pan with a wooden spoon.

Pizza Pasta – 1 pan, 20 minutes

Image of a giant bowl of spaghetti with turkey meatballs.

Baked Turkey Meatballs

Asparagus Panzanella Salad

Seasonal

Beef and vegetable stir fry in a black wok.

Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables

Hot honey chicken sheet pan dinner with honey being drizzled on.

Hot Honey Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Sweet and sour shrimp lettuce wrap garnished with green onion.

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

BBQ Chicken burrito bowl with avocado and sour cream.

BBQ Chicken Bowl

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
Free Bonus!

5 Cooking Secrets to Save Time & Stress

Free email series of my best tips and recipes!

Featured On:

Back to Top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Work with Me
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
© 2023 Rachel Cooks®
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled