Fideo seco is a super easy and delicious Mexican pasta recipe.
It can be ready and on the table in less than 30 minutes.
So, it’s the perfect meal or side dish for when you’re running low on time.
If you like this recipe you’ll have to try fideo loco next!

What is fideo seco?
Fideo seco is a dish consisting of noodles that are simmered in a delicious sauce until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
It’s a lot like sopita but it’s not soupy.
This is a great recipe for picky eaters.
My kids are obsessed with noodles.
They love eating this with some grated parmesan cheese!
I actually do too, it’s so good!
Looking for more Mexican pasta recipes? Try these:
- espagueti rojo (Mexican spaghetti)
- espagueti verde (green spaghetti)
- sopa de conchas (Mexican shell pasta soup)
- ensalada de coditos (macaroni salad)
Ingredients needed
This easy Mexican pasta dish is made with minimal easy to find ingredients such as:
- fideo pasta
- canned tomato sauce
- white onion
- garlic
- vegetable oil
- water
- chicken bouillon
- salt
The canned tomato sauce can be substituted for fresh tomatoes if preferred. I would use about three roma tomatoes.
Canned tomato sauce is a staple in my kitchen.
I rely on it often in the winter time when tomatoes aren’t in season. It really saves the day!

Where can I find fideo?
You can find fideo at your local Mexican supermarket.
You may also be able to find it in your local grocery stores in the Hispanic foods aisle.
If you can’t find fideo you can substitute with thin spaghetti noodles or angel hair pasta.
Just break them into smaller pieces.
How to make fideo seco
The first thing we need to do is make the salsa.
Blend the tomato sauce, garlic clove and a quarter of an onion until well blended.
Then set aside the salsa.
Now it’s time to toast the fideo.
This is the kind I use.
However like I said before you can always substitute with thin cut spaghetti or angel hair pasta.
You could also make this recipe using shell or elbow pasta.

Heat up a little oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot add the fideo.

This step will take about 5-7 minutes.
Make sure to constantly stir to prevent the fideo from burning.
After 5-7 minutes the fideo should look like the photo below.

Now that the fideo is nicely toasted we can add the blended tomato sauce.
Let the sauce cook for a minute.

Then add water, knorr chicken flavor bouillon and salt.
Stir and taste. This is your opportunity to add more seasonings if you like.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 12 to 15 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Once done it should look like the photo below.

It is now ready to be served!
What to serve with it?
Fideo seco is an amazing dish all by itself or garnished with a lot of toppings such as diced onion, cilantro, avocado and queso fresco.
But it also makes for an excellent side dish to many delicious Mexican recipes such as:
Why does the fideo have to be toasted?
Toasting the fideo noodles gives them a light nutty flavor and it also helps the fideo keep their shape while cooking.
How do I make a spicy fideo seco?
If you want to add some spice to this recipe just add one or two chipotle peppers in adobo to the blender along with the tomato sauce, garlic and onion.
Tips and tricks
- If you can’t find fideo substitute with thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- This recipe uses canned tomato sauce but you can always use fresh tomatoes. Just cut them into chunks and blend with the garlic and onion. You may need to add a little bit of water to the blender.
- Don’t forget to stir the fideo frequently while it’s toasting so it doesn’t burn.
Fideo Seco Recipe
This amazing Mexican pasta recipe is perfect because it comes together in under 30 minutes!
We could all use more quick and easy recipes like this right??
Especially ones that both kids and adults enjoy.
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Fideo Seco
Fideo seco is a simple yet delicious Mexican pasta recipe.
Ingredients
- 7.05 oz fideo bag
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/4 slice onion white
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp knorr chicken flavor bouillon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
-
Blend tomato sauce, garlic and onion until well blended. Set aside.
-
Heat up two tbs of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once oil is hot add the fideo.
-
Toast the fideo until golden brown. Make sure to stir it frequently to prevent it from burning. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
-
Then add the blended tomato sauce and let cook for a minute.
-
Now add the water, knorr chicken bouillon and salt.
-
Stir and taste. Add additional seasoning if you wish.
-
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 12-15 or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
-
Remove from heat and serve.
Dawna
Sunday 21st of November 2021
I have eaten this since I was a little girl and I personally have never made it never really wanted to ask anybody how to make it but I wanted to make it so I found your recipe and man oh man delicious thank you!!
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Dan h
Wednesday 10th of March 2021
My mom use to make fideo seco for our family and I have tried in the past but failed at it. This recipe was easy to follow and brought back memories of my mom’s cooking.