Quick & Zesty Rotel Pasta Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful Rotel pasta recipe brings comfort and zest to your dinner table in minutes.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly with spicy tomatoes, creating a mouthwatering combination that sparks excitement.

Southwestern flavors dance through each bite, promising a quick and satisfying meal.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly, making this dish both convenient and delicious.

Cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts will appreciate the bold, tangy profile of this crowd-pleasing creation.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible pasta that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

FAQs

• What are Rotel tomatoes?

Rotel tomatoes are canned diced tomatoes mixed with green chilies, providing a spicy and tangy flavor to dishes, commonly used in Tex-Mex and Southern cooking.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the Rotel tomatoes you choose. Mild Rotel will give a gentle kick, while original or hot varieties will increase the spiciness.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and part-skim cheese to lower the calorie and fat content.

Rotel Pasta Packed With Bold Flavors

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up this delightful pasta dish in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty ground beef, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table for both kids and adults.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Combines pantry staples like Rotel tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup to create a rich, zesty sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Easily customizable with optional toppings like green onions or cilantro, this one-skillet wonder works great for casual family dinners or impromptu gatherings with friends.

Essential Ingredients For Rotel Pasta

• Pasta: Classic base for a hearty and comforting dish.
• Ground Beef: Rich protein that adds substantial flavor to the recipe.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Spicy canned tomatoes that provide zesty and tangy notes.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce.

• Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creamy ingredients that enhance richness and provide a smooth, melty texture.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps brown the ground beef and prevent sticking.
• Green Onions, Cilantro: Optional fresh herbs that add brightness and aromatic garnish.

How To Make Rotel Pasta Like A Pro

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions.

Once done, drain completely and set aside, letting it rest while preparing the other components.

Step 2: Brown Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains and a rich brown color develops, about 6-7 minutes.

Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Create Spicy Sauce Base

• Rotel tomatoes
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir all ingredients together and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, robust taste.

Step 4: Build Creamy Texture

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese

Gently mix until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined with a luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, carefully stirring to ensure every pasta piece gets evenly coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Melt Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over the pasta.

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting, zesty pasta dish.

Tips To Nail Rotel Pasta Every Time

• Shake the colander gently to remove excess water, preventing watery sauce and ensuring better sauce adherence.
• Use lean ground beef or drain thoroughly to reduce excess grease and keep the dish from becoming too oily.
• Let the skillet sit covered off the heat to help cheese melt evenly without overcooking the pasta.
• Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat, or mix in different cheese varieties for more complex flavor.
• Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.

Flavorful Variations For Rotel Pasta

• Vegetarian Rotel Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef drippings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle extra chili powder for a fiery kick. Include diced green chiles for more heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower rice as a base and keep the creamy Rotel sauce intact.

Serving Ideas For Rotel Pasta Creations

• Spicy Side Kick: Pair this zesty pasta with jalapeño cornbread for an extra kick of heat that complements the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
• Protein Boost: Serve alongside a crisp green salad topped with grilled chicken to add more protein and balance the richness of the dish.
• Fresh Crunch: Sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving to introduce a delightful crispy texture that contrasts with the creamy pasta.
• Cool Companion: Add a dollop of fresh sour cream or cool ranch dressing on the side to balance the spiciness of the Rotel tomatoes and create a more refreshing eating experience.

Proper Storage Tips For Rotel Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk or water to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of milk or broth to prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Rotel Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Rotel pasta brings zesty Southwestern flavors to your dinner table. Creamy cheese and diced tomatoes create a quick, satisfying meal that friends and family will devour.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1 can (10 ounces/284 grams) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef for 6-7 minutes, breaking into small crumbles and eliminating excess grease.
3. Pour Rotel tomatoes into the skillet, combining with cream of mushroom soup and seasonings, then simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Lower heat and incorporate sour cream and first cheese portion, stirring until sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Gently fold cooked pasta into the meat mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated with the rich sauce.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, then cover skillet and allow cheese to melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
7. Optional: Garnish with fresh green onions or chopped cilantro before serving immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake and enhance overall flavor balance.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to add extra depth and excitement to the pasta.
• For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free pasta and double-check that cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 406 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg