Description
Rotel Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish made with pasta, ground meat, and Rotel tomatoes. It’s a quick and easy comfort food perfect for weeknights, delivering bold Southwestern flavor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 onion, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika or chili powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- If using, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the Rotel (with juices), cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Reduce heat to low and stir until the cheese and cream cheese melt into a smooth sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika or chili powder if using.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine until evenly coated.
- Let simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
Use hot Rotel or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.Swap in ground chicken, sausage, or plant-based meat as desired.Stir in corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.Add a splash of milk or cream if reheating to maintain creaminess.Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for different flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
