Rotel Pasta Fiesta Recipe

Introduction

Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines zesty diced tomatoes with creamy cheese and tender pasta. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it blends simple ingredients into a comforting Tex-Mex inspired pasta.

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 teaspoon taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. Step 3: Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes, heavy cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey for a leaner version or try spicy sausage for an extra kick.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to reduce richness, though the sauce will be less creamy.
• Add diced onions or bell peppers when browning the meat for added texture and flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with cooked black beans or sautéed mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes?

You can substitute with regular diced tomatoes and add a small amount of diced green chilies to mimic the flavor of Rotel.

Rotel Pasta Fiesta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish combining tender penne or rotini with seasoned ground beef or turkey, spicy Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and rich cheddar cheese. This quick and easy skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights and packed with Tex-Mex inspired flavors.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 teaspoon taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese and Garnish

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef or turkey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add the Sauce Ingredients: To the cooked meat in the skillet, add the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, heavy cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss or stir well to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy, spicy sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and becomes creamy, enveloping the pasta.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve the Rotel Pasta Fiesta hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef depending on preference.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and sauté vegetables like bell peppers and onions instead.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
• Use low-fat or half-and-half cream for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less rich.
• This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for next-day meals.

Keywords: Rotel pasta, Tex-Mex pasta, creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, sausage pasta, taco seasoning recipe