Rotel Pasta Fiesta | Creamy, Cheesy Tex-Mex Dinner Delight Recipe
Introduction
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex dinner that combines flavorful diced tomatoes and green chilies with tender pasta and seasoned ground meat. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious.
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 pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Add the Rotel (with juices), heavy cream, taco seasoning, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Step 5: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Step 7: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with black beans and corn for a hearty texture.
- Try shredded chicken or tofu instead of ground beef or turkey for different protein options.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a full meal experience.
- Use penne or rotini pasta as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor but similar meltiness.
Is this dish spicy?
The Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies add mild heat; you can adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot Rotel or adding extra chili powder or jalapeños to taste.
PrintRotel Pasta Fiesta | Creamy, Cheesy Tex-Mex Dinner Delight Recipe
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex inspired dinner featuring tender pasta combined with seasoned ground meat, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a rich cheese sauce. This comforting one-pan meal is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights while delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Main 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
Seasonings
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Add Rotel and Cream: Pour the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies into the skillet with the browned meat. Stir in the heavy cream, taco seasoning, and garlic powder. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy, spicy tomato sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and cohesive sauce.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cook pasta and brown meat in advance and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground meat with black beans and corn for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Protein Variations: Use shredded chicken or tofu instead of ground meat as a protein swap.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Keywords: Rotel pasta, Tex-Mex pasta, creamy pasta, cheesy dinner, ground beef pasta, easy dinner recipe, quick weeknight meal
