Description
Rotel pasta brings together creamy cheese and zesty tomatoes in a quick comfort dish. Hearty ingredients meld perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, macaroni, or your choice)
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup (113 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat to reduce greasiness.
- Pour entire can of Rotel tomatoes into the skillet, including liquid, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and incorporate cream cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy tomato-beef mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a rich, glossy sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that keeps the dish’s rich flavor profile.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or hot Rotel tomatoes to match personal spice preferences or dietary needs.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the sautéing stage to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-pan meal.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free before preparing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg