Rotel Pasta Fiesta Recipe

Introduction

Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines creamy cheese, spicy tomatoes, and savory ground meat with your favorite pasta. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in just under 30 minutes.

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 salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
3. Step 3: Add the Rotel diced tomatoes (with juice), heavy cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well 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 it evenly in the sauce.
5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or sour cream.
• Try adding black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Use spicy cheddar or pepper jack cheese to increase the heat.
• Fresh lime juice added just before serving brightens the dish beautifully.

Storage

Store leftover Rotel Pasta Fiesta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, shells, or farfalle works well. Avoid long noodles as they don’t hold the sauce as effectively.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?

You can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce, but the texture may change slightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Rotel Pasta Fiesta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 146 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Rotel Pasta Fiesta combining penne or rotini pasta with browned ground beef or turkey, zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, and a rich cheesy sauce seasoned with taco spices. This easy skillet meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that brings a festive Tex-Mex flair to your table.

• Author: Jeannette
• 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

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Sauce

• 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

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or turkey until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from being too oily.
3. Add the Sauce Ingredients: To the skillet with the cooked meat, add the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, heavy cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato and spice sauce. Then gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy and cheesy consistency throughout the dish.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley over the top for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve the pasta fiesta hot, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can swap ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Use your preferred pasta type but penne or rotini work best for holding the sauce.
• Taco seasoning adds a flavorful spice; adjust quantity if you want it milder or spicier.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro brighten the dish but are optional.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute ground meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based crumbled meat.

Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Tex-Mex pasta, cheesy pasta skillet, quick weeknight dinner