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
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
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
- 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.
- Incorporate Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Lower heat and gently fold in cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until completely smooth and integrated.
- Introduce cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating with the creamy sauce.
- Distribute shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese across the top of the dish, stirring until cheese melts and creates a rich, velvety texture.
- Optional: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the pasta for added brightness and garnish.
- 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