There’s something about pasta that just hits the spot, right? Whether it’s the creamy texture, the rich flavors, or the comforting warmth, pasta always knows how to make a meal feel special. Enter Rotel Pasta—the ultimate comfort food with a little zesty kick. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with cheesy, spicy goodness.
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If you’re craving a dish that combines bold, tangy flavors with the heartiness of pasta, then look no further. Trust me, this one’s going to be a weeknight dinner hero!
Why You’ll Love Rotel Pasta
Easy to Make:
With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you’ve got a dish that comes together in no time. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something delicious.
Bold Flavors:
The combination of Rotel tomatoes, creamy cheese, and your favorite pasta makes for a flavor-packed meal. It’s the best of comfort food with a spicy twist!
Versatile:
You can add whatever you like! Ground beef, sausage, chicken, or even veggies—the possibilities are endless, and this dish is ready to adapt to whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
Family-Friendly:
Whether you’ve got picky eaters or culinary adventurers, this dish is sure to please. It’s a perfect meal for everyone around the table.
Ingredients in Rotel Pasta
This recipe is all about simplicity and deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:
- Rotel Tomatoes (with Green Chilies) – The base of this dish, giving it that signature tangy flavor and a little kick of spice.
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni) – Your favorite pasta will work! Choose a shape that holds the sauce well.
- Cheddar Cheese (shredded) – Melty, gooey, cheesy goodness is a must.
- Cream Cheese – This makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth.
- Ground Beef or Sausage – If you’re adding protein, both options are great. You can also use chicken or ground turkey for a leaner choice.
- Garlic Powder – Adds that warm, savory flavor.
- Onion Powder – A little sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- Chili Powder – For that extra kick.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
(Note: Full recipe card with measurements is below!)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until cooked through. If you’re using chicken or turkey, cook it thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the Rotel
To the cooked meat, add the Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies). Stir to combine, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors can meld.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheesy, creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that glorious cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with extra cheese or fresh herbs if you like. It’s a cheesy, comforting dream that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Prep Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Rotel Pasta
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty piece of garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh pop of flavor.
- With a Cold Drink: Serve with a cold beverage—iced tea, soda, or a chilled white wine all work wonderfully.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add a little extra chili powder or throw in some sliced jalapeños.
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? Add in some bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well as beef or sausage.
- Make it Ahead: You can prep the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit more spice.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Just skip the meat and add extra veggies or even some plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.
Q4: Can I freeze this?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes well. Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Q5: What can I serve with this if I want something extra?
A5: Consider serving it with some roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even some homemade cornbread on the side.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Just double the ingredients and cook it in a larger skillet or pot.
Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A7: Yep! Rotel pasta works with any pasta you prefer—penne, shells, fusilli, or spaghetti.
Q8: How can I make this spicier?
A8: Add more chili powder, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños to the sauce. You can even use spicy Rotel tomatoes for an extra kick.
Q9: Can I add bacon?
A9: Yes! Crumbled bacon on top would be a delicious addition for a smoky crunch.
Q10: Can I make this without Rotel?
A10: You can substitute with regular diced tomatoes and add a bit of chili powder and diced green chilies to mimic the Rotel flavor.
Conclusion
This Rotel Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy with the satisfying texture of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a quick weeknight meal, or just craving comfort food, this recipe hits all the right notes. Super easy, super delicious—what’s not to love?
Print
Rotel Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Make this easy and delicious Rotel Pasta recipe in just 40 minutes! Featuring a cheesy, spicy blend of sausage, ground beef, veggies, and Rotel tomatoes, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Rotini Pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 pound Sausage
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 (10 oz) cans Rotel, undrained
- 16 ounces Velveeta Cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup Milk
- Chopped Fresh Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook sausage and ground beef over medium heat until browned. Crumble the meat as it cooks, then drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
- Stir in onion powder and garlic powder, mixing to coat evenly.
- Pour in undrained Rotel and stir to combine with the meat and vegetables.
- Add cubed Velveeta cheese and gradually stir in the milk. Reduce heat to low and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until well coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, use hot Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Swap Velveeta for your favorite shredded cheese blend if preferred.
- This dish reheats well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Try using shell or penne pasta instead of rotini for a different texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 849
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 135mg