Rotel Pasta Fiesta | Creamy, Cheesy Tex-Mex Dinner Delight Recipe
Introduction
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies any craving for bold flavors. With a simple mix of ground meat, Rotel tomatoes, and pasta, this dish is both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Add the undrained Rotel, heavy cream, taco seasoning, and garlic powder to the skillet. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat all the pasta in the sauce.
- Step 5: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with cooked black beans or sautéed mushrooms.
- Use pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.
- Add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini work best to hold the sauce, but you can use elbow macaroni, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer.
Is Rotel essential for this recipe?
Rotel adds a distinct Tex-Mex flavor with its diced tomatoes and green chilies, but you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes and jalapeños if needed.
PrintRotel Pasta Fiesta | Creamy, Cheesy Tex-Mex Dinner Delight Recipe
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex inspired dish featuring tender pasta tossed with spicy Rotel tomatoes, seasoned ground meat, and melted cheddar cheese. This quick and satisfying skillet meal combines bold flavors with a smooth, rich sauce for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and return skillet to heat.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies into the skillet with the browned meat. Stir in the heavy cream, taco seasoning, and garlic powder. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat all the noodles in the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pasta mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Rotel Pasta Fiesta to serving bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef according to your preference.
- For a lower-fat option, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and green chilies to control the spice level.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the heat if desired.
Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta, Tex-Mex pasta, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, ground beef pasta, easy pasta recipe
