Easy Cheesy Rotel Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Crowd-Pleaser

Whipping up a quick rotel pasta recipe brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Spicy tomatoes and creamy cheese create an irresistible combination that sparks excitement.

Cheese lovers will appreciate how simple ingredients blend into something magical.

Sharp cheddar melts perfectly with zesty green chiles, creating depth and warmth.

Southwest-inspired flavors dance through each delectable bite, promising satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand something effortless yet delicious, and this dish delivers precisely that.

Jump into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds celebrate.

Rotel Pasta Ingredient Checklist

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat for the base of the dish.
• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Smooth and rich dairy product for creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that adds depth and thickness to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts into a delicious sauce.

• Rotel Tomatoes: Zesty canned tomatoes with green chilies for extra kick.
• Beef Broth: Savory liquid that boosts overall meat flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiment that adds complexity.

• Onion: Sweet and savory base vegetable for depth.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust flavor.
• Chili Powder: Warm spice with mild heat.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky spice with rich color.
• Garlic Salt: Seasoning blend with concentrated flavor.
• Cumin: Earthy spice with warm undertones.
• Black Pepper: Classic spice for heat and flavor.

• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs for bright finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing ingredients.

How to Cook Rotel Pasta Right

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water.

Follow package instructions to achieve that perfect al dente texture.

Once cooked, drain and set aside for later.

Step 2: Brown Meat and Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and diced onions.

Break up the meat and cook until it’s beautifully browned and onions turn soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and cook until its aromatic fragrance fills the kitchen, roughly 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Creamy Rotel Sauce

• Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic salt
• Cumin
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until cream cheese melts completely and sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently add the cooked penne to the skillet.

Toss until every pasta piece is lavishly coated with the creamy Rotel sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta hot and fresh.

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of flavor if desired.

Dive in and enjoy your spicy pasta creation!

Tips to Make Rotel Pasta Even Better

• Choose mild or hot Rotel tomatoes based on your spice preference for customized heat levels.
• Ensure pasta is al dente by testing texture and immediately draining to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal consistency.
• Adjust sauce consistency by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding extra broth for a lighter texture.
• Reduce heat when adding cheese and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve smooth, creamy sauce.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.

Rotel Pasta Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and stir well to recombine separated sauce.

Great Pairings with Rotel Pasta

• Boost Tex-Mex Flavor Pairing: Pair this zesty Rotel Pasta with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the creamy richness and complements the spicy tomato sauce.
• Refresh with Citrus Cocktail: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to balance the hearty beef and creamy sauce, enhancing the dish's southwestern profile.
• Cool Down with Side Salad: Create a crisp green salad with jalapeño ranch dressing to add brightness and contrast the pasta's rich, spicy flavors, providing a light counterpoint to the main dish.
• Elevate with Wine Choice: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec, whose bold fruit notes and slight spiciness perfectly match the pasta's robust and creamy characteristics.

Creative Combos for Rotel Pasta

• Gluten-Free Rotel Pasta: Replace penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Rotel Pasta: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free protein alternative that maintains the dish's rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Rotel Pasta: Add diced jalapeños or increase chili powder and smoked paprika to create a more intense, heat-packed version of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Rotel Pasta: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, zesty sauce intact.

FAQs

• What are Rotel tomatoes?

Rotel tomatoes are canned diced tomatoes mixed with green chilies, creating a spicy and flavorful ingredient popular in Southwestern and Tex-Mex cooking.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute that creates a leaner version of the pasta dish while maintaining similar flavor profiles.

• How spicy is this Rotel Pasta?

The spice level depends on the Rotel tomatoes you choose. Original Rotel is mild, while the “hot” version adds more kick to the recipe.

• Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?

No, use the undrained can to add extra moisture and flavor to the sauce, which helps create a rich and creamy texture.

Why Rotel Pasta Brings the Zing

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up this delicious Rotel Pasta in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner fast.
• Packed with Flavor: Combines bold spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin with creamy cheese and zesty Rotel tomatoes for a mouthwatering taste explosion.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A hearty one-skillet meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner or casual gathering dish that's sure to impress.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Uses just one skillet, reducing kitchen mess and saving you time on washing multiple pots and pans after cooking.

Rotel Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Rotel pasta brings southwestern zest to comfort food, blending spicy tomatoes and green chiles with cheesy, hearty goodness. Weeknight dinners become an instant celebration when you dive into this quick, satisfying meal that delivers bold flavors in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 ounce / 284 grams) can rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Spices, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) worcestershire sauce
• 12 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 12 teaspoon ground cumin
• 12 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, following package instructions. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef and diced onion, methodically crumbling meat while sautéing until rich brown color develops and onions transform to translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and allow aromatics to release their essence for roughly 60 seconds.
4. Pour undrained Rotel tomatoes into the skillet, followed by beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and an ensemble of spices including chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper. Encourage mixture to gently simmer, stirring periodically until cream cheese dissolves and sauce attains a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
5. Reduce heat to low and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete integration for a silky, uniform sauce.
6. Introduce cooked penne to the skillet, delicately tossing to guarantee each pasta piece becomes lavishly coated with the spicy, creamy Rotel sauce.
7. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally adorning with fresh cilantro or parsley for vibrant color and complementary flavor profile.

Notes

• Drain pasta quickly to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter sauce consistency.
• Grate fresh cheddar cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy Rotel tomatoes based on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg