Rotel Pasta

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

This pasta combines Rotel tomatoes, ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, serves 6, and perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:28:24 GMT
Rotel Pasta Save
Rotel Pasta | kitchenscroll.com

A soul-warming skillet of creamy Rotel pasta brings together al dente penne, seasoned ground beef, and velvety cheese sauce infused with zesty tomatoes and green chilies. This one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece that's ready in under 30 minutes.

I've made this countless times for potlucks, and the skillet always returns empty. My family particularly loves gathering around the table on chilly evenings when this pasta's aromatic spices fill our kitchen.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Penne pasta: Ridged tubes create the perfect sauce-catching pockets
  • 90% lean ground beef: Offers rich flavor while keeping the dish from becoming too heavy
  • Rotel tomatoes: The perfect balance of tomatoes and green chilies provides signature southwestern zest
  • Heavy cream and cream cheese: Creates an irresistibly smooth, rich sauce base
  • Fresh garlic and onion: Builds an aromatic foundation that elevates all other flavors
  • Carefully selected spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder create depth and warmth

Creating Your Masterpiece

Pasta Foundation:
Boil generously salted water in a large pot. Cook penne until tender but still firm to bite, about 11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Savory Base Creation:
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium flame. Brown beef with diced onions until meat is cooked through and onions turn translucent.
Aromatic Enhancement:
Add fresh minced garlic to the meat mixture, stirring until the kitchen fills with its enticing aroma.
Sauce Development:
Pour in Rotel tomatoes and broth, incorporating cream and softened cream cheese. Let the sauce gently simmer until it reaches a silky consistency.
Final Assembly:
Fold in the cooked pasta, allowing each piece to become thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce.
Rotel Pasta Recipe Save
Rotel Pasta Recipe | kitchenscroll.com

Growing up, my mother always insisted on using fresh garlic instead of powder, and this small detail makes a remarkable difference in depth of flavor. The aroma of fresh garlic hitting the pan brings back countless memories of family dinners.

Perfect Pairings

Transform this hearty pasta into a complete feast by serving alongside garlic-rubbed crostini and a crisp Caesar salad. For casual gatherings, pair with sweet corn muffins or buttery Texas toast.

Creative Twists

Experiment with different protein options like spicy Italian sausage or ground turkey. For a vegetarian version, substitute with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. Add black beans and corn for a Mexican-inspired variation.

Keeping It Fresh

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container, drizzling with a touch of cream to maintain moisture. Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding splashes of broth to revive the sauce's creamy texture.

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found it's not just about the ingredients – it's about the love and attention to detail that transforms simple components into a memorable meal that brings people together.

Easy Rotel Pasta Save
Easy Rotel Pasta | kitchenscroll.com

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin the sauce.
→ What can I substitute for Rotel tomatoes?
Use regular diced tomatoes mixed with a small can of diced green chilies as a substitute for Rotel tomatoes.
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Any medium-sized pasta works well - try rotini, shells, or fusilli instead of penne.
→ Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level from the Rotel tomatoes. Use mild Rotel for less heat.
→ Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. The sauce might separate when thawed, so reheat slowly while stirring.

Quick Creamy Rotel Pasta

A hearty pasta dish featuring ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce with a delicious kick of spices.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Gather

→ Base

Contains 01 items 1 pound penne pasta
Contains 02 items 1 tablespoon olive oil
Contains 03 items 1 pound lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

Contains 04 items 1 yellow onion, diced
Contains 05 items 4 cloves garlic, minced
Contains 06 items 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

→ Sauce Components

Contains 07 items 1 cup beef broth
Contains 08 items 1/2 cup heavy cream
Contains 09 items 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
Contains 10 items 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Contains 11 items 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Seasonings

Contains 12 items 1 teaspoon chili powder
Contains 13 items 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Contains 14 items 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Contains 15 items 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Contains 16 items 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

Contains 17 items Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and the onion are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 03

Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 04

Stir in the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 05

Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 06

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy Rotel sauce.

Step 07

Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.

Important Tips

  1. This creamy, spicy pasta dish combines the bold flavors of Rotel tomatoes with a rich cheese sauce

Essential Tools

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Dairy
  • Wheat

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 643
  • Fat Amount: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Protein Amount: ~