There’s something about a big, hearty bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re gathering around the dinner table with family or hosting a casual get-together with friends. Rotel Pasta is one of those magical recipes that checks all the boxes: quick to make, bursting with flavor, and rich enough to make even the hungriest eater feel completely satisfied.
I still remember the first time I tasted this dish. It was a cool fall evening, and the air was crisp enough to call for something warm and filling. The kitchen was alive with the tantalizing aroma of onions and garlic sizzling in a skillet, mingling with the spicy, tangy scent of Rotel tomatoes. As the creamy, cheesy sauce came together, I knew this meal was going to be special. And it didn’t disappoint. The first bite was pure bliss—a perfect balance of hearty pasta, savory meat, and a silky, slightly spicy sauce that coated every forkful. It was love at first taste.
What makes this recipe truly special is how versatile it is. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleaser for a potluck, or just a comforting meal after a long day, Rotel Pasta is here to save the day. It’s easy enough for novice cooks to tackle but flavorful enough to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible, and by the end, you’ll not only have a new favorite recipe but a story to share about the joy of creating it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to Make: Rotel Pasta is ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights when time is short, but the need for a satisfying meal is real.
A Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of spice is universally appealing. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
One-Pot Convenience: Not a fan of doing dishes? This recipe uses just one skillet for the sauce, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable: Whether you prefer it mild or with an extra kick, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Plus, you can switch up the garnishes and add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this comforting dish:
- Penne Pasta: 12 ounces
- Lean Ground Beef (90% lean): 1 pound
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained): 1 can (10 ounces)
- Yellow Onion (diced): 1 medium
- Garlic (minced): 4 cloves
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Beef Broth: 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Cream Cheese (cubed and softened): 4 ounces
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Optional
How to Make Rotel Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water just in case you need it to adjust the sauce consistency later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and no pink remains. If there’s any excess grease, carefully drain it before moving on.
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in the Rotel tomatoes (including their juices) and beef broth. Add the cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Stir everything together as the cream cheese melts into the mixture, forming a creamy and luscious sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of Rotel Pasta.
Helpful Tips
- Customize the Spice Level: If you’re cooking for a spice-sensitive crowd, opt for mild Rotel tomatoes. Conversely, if you love a fiery kick, go for the “hot” variety or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Texture Boost: Add some cooked veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the dish even heartier.
- Make It Ahead: The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Notes
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be a lifesaver for quick meals later in the week.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back its saucy texture.
Related Recipes
If you loved Rotel Pasta, here are some other recipes you’ll adore:
Conclusion
Rotel Pasta is a dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your table. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
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Creamy Rotel Pasta: A Quick, Cheesy Comfort Food Delight
Description
There’s something about a big, hearty bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re gathering around the dinner table with family or hosting a casual get-together with friends. Rotel Pasta is one of those magical recipes that checks all the boxes: quick to make, bursting with flavor, and rich enough to make even the hungriest eater feel completely satisfied.
I still remember the first time I tasted this dish. It was a cool fall evening, and the air was crisp enough to call for something warm and filling. The kitchen was alive with the tantalizing aroma of onions and garlic sizzling in a skillet, mingling with the spicy, tangy scent of Rotel tomatoes. As the creamy, cheesy sauce came together, I knew this meal was going to be special. And it didn’t disappoint. The first bite was pure bliss—a perfect balance of hearty pasta, savory meat, and a silky, slightly spicy sauce that coated every forkful. It was love at first taste.
What makes this recipe truly special is how versatile it is. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleaser for a potluck, or just a comforting meal after a long day, Rotel Pasta is here to save the day. It’s easy enough for novice cooks to tackle but flavorful enough to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible, and by the end, you’ll not only have a new favorite recipe but a story to share about the joy of creating it.
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: 12 ounces
- Lean Ground Beef (90% lean): 1 pound
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained): 1 can (10 ounces)
- Yellow Onion (diced): 1 medium
- Garlic (minced): 4 cloves
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Beef Broth: 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Cream Cheese (cubed and softened): 4 ounces
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Optional
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water just in case you need it to adjust the sauce consistency later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and no pink remains. If there’s any excess grease, carefully drain it before moving on.
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in the Rotel tomatoes (including their juices) and beef broth. Add the cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Stir everything together as the cream cheese melts into the mixture, forming a creamy and luscious sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of Rotel Pasta.
Notes
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be a lifesaver for quick meals later in the week.
