Creamy Rotel Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Twist on Comfort Food

Creamy, cheesy pasta lovers rejoice in this zesty rotel pasta recipe that combines bold flavors with simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners just got a spicy upgrade with the perfect blend of comfort and kick.

Tender pasta swirls dance with melted cheese and vibrant rotel tomatoes, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of southwestern-inspired goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy home cooks.

Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this pasta promises to become a new family favorite that’ll have everyone gathering around the table.

Rotel Pasta Recipe Highlights & Extras

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This one-skillet wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Meal: The recipe welcomes personal touches like adjusting spice levels, swapping meats, or adding extra vegetables to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with creamy cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and hearty ground beef, this pasta dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option that satisfies diverse palates.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: By using just one skillet and requiring straightforward ingredients, this recipe reduces kitchen mess and saves precious post-meal cleaning time.

Rotel Pasta Shopping List Essentials

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that provides the base for this creamy and flavorful dish.

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds richness and hearty flavor to the recipe.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the meat mixture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps to create a rich, velvety consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide additional creaminess and depth of flavor.

• Rotel Tomatoes: Adds a zesty and slightly spicy tomato base to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the meat and onions.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and slight warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a bright, fresh finish to the dish when desired.

Cooking Instructions For Rotel Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.

Once al dente, drain thoroughly and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown Meat and Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Beef is completely browned
• Onions turn translucent
• No pink remains in the meat

Drain excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Spice Up the Mixture

• Rotel tomatoes
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

Reduce heat to low.

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

Blend until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a rich sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet.

Gently toss until pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Melt Cheese Topping

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until cheeses are completely melted and create a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for added flavor and color.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Rotel Pasta Recipe Tips For Home Cooks

• Choose lean ground beef to minimize excess grease and prevent a watery sauce.
• After browning beef, drain all excess fat to keep the pasta sauce rich and not greasy.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding cheeses to prevent overcooking and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Swap regular Rotel for mild version if you prefer less heat, or use fire-roasted Rotel for deeper flavor.
• Cook pasta and brown beef in advance, then quickly combine ingredients when ready to serve for faster meal preparation.

Rotel Pasta Swaps And Mix-Ins

• Vegetarian Rotel Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwestern Rotel Pasta: Add jalapeños, chili powder, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to intensify heat.
• Low-Carb Rotel Cauliflower Bake: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
• Gluten-Free Rotel Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta and verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Plating Rotel Pasta For Maximum Appeal

• Hearty Family Feast: Perfect for Sunday dinners, this pasta dish serves up comfort with a zesty twist that everyone will love.
• Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to gatherings where people crave creamy, cheesy goodness with a southwestern kick.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and reheat gently, maintaining its rich, creamy texture for quick weeknight meals.
• Quick Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits to transform this pasta into an even more substantial dinner option.

Rotel Pasta Storage Guide

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

• What are Rotel tomatoes?

Rotel tomatoes are a canned product made by the Rotel brand, consisting of diced tomatoes mixed with green chilies, providing a zesty and slightly spicy flavor to dishes.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level due to the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, but you can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel varieties or adding additional spices.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground meat, low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and whole wheat pasta to create a lighter version of the recipe while maintaining its delicious flavor.

Rotel Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 38 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rotel pasta delivers a spicy Tex-Mex sensation that blends creamy cheese with zesty tomatoes and green chilies. Southwest flavors dance through this quick, hearty dish, promising comfort and excitement in each satisfying bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or sausage)

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta)
• 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) block of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro or green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté ground beef and onions until meat is thoroughly browned and onions become translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes. Remove excess grease.
3. Incorporate Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Lower heat and gently fold in cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until completely smooth and integrated.
5. Introduce cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating with the creamy sauce.
6. Distribute shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese across the top of the dish, stirring until cheese melts and creates a rich, velvety texture.
7. Optional: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the pasta for added brightness and garnish.
8. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Try ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Drain Rotel tomatoes slightly to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery and maintain a creamy consistency.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat and depth of flavor if you enjoy spicier meals.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 497 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg