Try This Spicy Rotel Pasta Recipe Tonight – Easy & Tasty

Spice up your dinner routine with a zesty rotel pasta that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

This vibrant dish blends creamy cheese and bold southwestern flavors into a quick and irresistible meal.

Creamy pasta with rotel tomatoes creates a mouthwatering combination that feels like a flavor explosion on your plate.

The recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Packed with rich ingredients and a kick of heat, this pasta dish delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.

Cheesy, spicy, and utterly satisfying, this recipe will become your new go-to meal that everyone at the table will devour.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a delicious fiesta of flavors.

What Makes Rotel Pasta a Fun Fiesta

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering pasta dish packed with zesty Rotel tomatoes, savory ground chuck, and creamy melted cheeses that burst with incredible taste sensations.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Whip up this one-skillet wonder with minimal prep and cleanup, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy families craving a delicious and satisfying dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Create a hearty, cheesy pasta that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming ordinary ingredients into an irresistible meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily customize this recipe by swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Zesty Rotel Pasta

• Pasta Noodles: Tender strands that form the base of this delicious dish.
• Ground Chuck: Hearty meat that brings rich flavor to the recipe.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Zesty canned tomatoes with a spicy kick.
• Velveeta Cheese, Blanco Velveeta Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a smooth, melty sauce.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Colorful veggies that add depth and sweetness to the dish.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Luxurious liquid that makes the sauce extra creamy.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds extra cheesy goodness.

• Salt, Pepper, Other Seasonings: Flavor enhancers that bring the entire dish together.

Instructions for Making Rotel Pasta Fiesta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta noodles in salted water according to package directions until tender yet firm.

Drain and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook ground chuck over medium heat until fully browned.

Drain excess fat completely.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Add chopped onions and diced bell peppers to the skillet with browned meat.

Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Spice and Simmer

Stir in Rotel tomatoes with their juice and all selected seasonings.

Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavors.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Cubed Velveeta cheese
• Blanco Velveeta cheese

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Blend in Cream

Pour heavy whipping cream into the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the cheese sauce to create a luxurious consistency.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing carefully to ensure every noodle is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 8: Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the pasta.

Cover skillet with a lid and let sit on low heat until cheese melts completely.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the hot, cheesy pasta immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Flavor-Boosting Tips for Rotel Pasta

• Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure a perfect texture in your final dish.
• Thoroughly drain ground chuck after browning to reduce excess grease and keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
• Cut Velveeta into small cubes and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without any lumps.
• Experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, cayenne, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile to your taste.
• This pasta can be prepared in advance and reheated gently, adding a splash of cream to restore its creamy consistency.

Reheating and Saving Rotel Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftover Rotel Pasta Fiesta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Revive cold pasta by reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a few tablespoons of cream or milk to prevent drying and help recreate the original creamy texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best flavor and consistency.

Perfect Pairings for Rotel Pasta

• Pair this zesty Rotel Pasta Fiesta with an ice-cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the rich, creamy cheese and complements the spicy tomato notes.
• Grab a tangy margarita with fresh lime juice to balance the heavy cream and cheese, creating a delightful flavor contrast that lifts the entire dish's taste profile.
• Select a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose acidity and light body will beautifully offset the pasta's robust and creamy texture.
• Add a simple green salad with a bright, zesty vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the rich, cheesy pasta, creating a perfectly balanced meal experience.

Bold Takes on Rotel Pasta Fiesta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Fiesta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free noodles made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Rotel Delight: Swap ground chuck with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Pasta Feast: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that's packed with nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes like nutritional yeast or cashew-based cheese sauce to make the recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

• Is Rotel Pasta Fiesta spicy?

The Rotel tomatoes add a mild to medium heat level, depending on the type of Rotel you use. Original Rotel will give a slightly spicy kick, while mild Rotel keeps the dish more kid-friendly.

• Can I substitute the ground chuck?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work great in this recipe. Just ensure you brown the meat thoroughly and drain excess fat.

• Do I need special cheese for this recipe?

While Blanco and regular Velveeta are recommended, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend. The key is using cheese that melts smoothly and creates a creamy sauce.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes! Rotel Pasta Fiesta reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Rotel Pasta Fiesta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Rotel Pasta Fiesta brings Southwestern spice and cheesy comfort to your dinner table. Creamy, zesty pasta loaded with tomatoes, green chiles, and melted cheese promises a quick, satisfying meal that sparks excitement at first bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground chuck

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, diced

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 oz (227 grams) pasta noodles
• 10 oz (283 grams) can Rotel tomatoes
• 8 oz (227 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 oz (113 grams) Blanco Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Seasonings and Cream:

• 1 teaspoon season salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Accent
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil pasta according to package directions until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
2. In a spacious skillet, brown ground chuck over medium flame, eliminating excess grease.
3. Incorporate chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
4. Pour Rotel tomatoes with their juice into the meat mixture, blending in all specified seasonings.
5. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes, developing rich flavors.
6. Reduce heat and introduce cubed Velveeta and Blanco Velveeta, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a velvety sauce.
7. Stream heavy whipping cream into the skillet, thoroughly integrating with the cheese base.
8. Fold reserved pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each noodle is luxuriously coated with the sauce.
9. Scatter shredded cheese across the top of the dish, then cover with a lid.
10. Let the skillet rest on low heat until additional cheese melts completely.
11. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while piping hot, ready to delight eager diners.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s hearty flavor profile.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium Rotel and choosing reduced-fat cheese varieties without compromising taste.
• Balance the richness by adding fresh chopped cilantro or green onions as a bright, zesty garnish to cut through the creamy sauce.
• When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s original smooth consistency and prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg