Description
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender pasta with seasoned ground beef or turkey, zesty Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with Tex-Mex flair and customizable spice levels.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, heavy cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the meat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy tomato and meat sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts fully, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and optionally sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cook the pasta and brown the meat in advance to save time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before combining and serving.
- Customizing the Flavor: Spice up the dish by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a variation, swap the ground meat for shredded chicken or make it vegetarian by substituting with black beans and corn.
- Serving Suggestions: This pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave to maintain creaminess without drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Tex-Mex pasta, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe
