If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with smoky, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy flavors, Rotel Pasta will quickly become one of your go-to meals. This comforting pasta combines tender penne with a flavorful sauce made from Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, creamy cheese, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. It’s a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that feels cozy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress friends and family. Trust me, once you try this flavorful Rotel Pasta, it will find a permanent spot on your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Rotel Pasta recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the tender penne pasta providing the perfect base, to the ground beef adding heartiness, and the creamy cheeses creating that luscious sauce, every component works harmoniously for a rich and balanced finish.

1 pound penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and onion with a light richness.
1 pound lean ground beef: Adds savory depth and a hearty texture to the pasta.
1 yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a gentle crunch when softened.
4 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistibly fragrant and robust flavor lift.
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained: The key ingredient providing zesty, spicy tomato goodness.
1 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and deep umami flavor to the sauce.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety texture that rounds out the heat.
4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened: For luscious creaminess and tangy undertones.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory complexity and a touch of sweetness.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Enhances the smoky, warm spice character.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note that elevates the flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic salt: Seasoning with a gentle garlic punch.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides earthiness and a hint of warmth.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground to brighten the overall profile.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melted into the sauce for that classic gooey finish.
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color on top.

How to Make Rotel Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking your penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, following the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. This ensures your pasta is tender yet has enough bite to hold up against the rich, creamy sauce that’s coming.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

While the pasta’s cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Breaking up the beef as it cooks makes for an even texture that melds beautifully with the sauce.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma

Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute until you can smell its irresistible fragrance. Garlic is such a game-changer here—don’t rush this step because it builds the hearty flavor foundation of the dish.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Rotel Sauce

Now, stir in the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, heavy cream, and the cubed cream cheese. Follow that with Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. This sauce is where the magic happens, balancing creamy richness with the bright, zesty heat of Rotel.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. This cheesy layer adds that perfect gooey finish which makes the Rotel Pasta so comforting and addictive.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, toss the cooked penne pasta right into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat every piece with that creamy, flavorful goodness, ensuring your Rotel Pasta is ready to be devoured.

Step 7: Serve It Up Hot

Serve your Rotel Pasta fresh from the skillet, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to brighten the dish and give it a fresh herbaceous note. It looks inviting and tastes even better than it looks!

How to Serve Rotel Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley not only livens up the colors but also adds a fresh herbal bite that cuts through the creamy richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions can bring an exciting twist.

Side Dishes

Serving Rotel Pasta alongside a crisp green salad helps balance the richness and adds a cooling crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also wonderful for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, serve the Rotel Pasta in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, garnished with a colorful mix of chopped herbs and a pinch of extra chili powder for those who love a little more heat. It’s perfect for casual dinners or potluck gatherings where presentation makes all the difference.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Rotel Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making your leftovers just as tasty as the first serving.

Freezing

You can freeze Rotel Pasta for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to bring back the creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Rotel Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or shells would also work wonderfully. Just choose what you prefer or have on hand.

How spicy is the Rotel Pasta?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to the mild green chilies in Rotel and the chili powder. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili powder. For more kick, add extra diced jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers or plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the sauce.

Is there a dairy-free version of Rotel Pasta?

For a dairy-free version, swap out the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar with coconut milk or cashew cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious.

What can I do if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce mixed with a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can mimic the tangy, umami flavors it provides.

Final Thoughts

Rotel Pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re new to this recipe or it’s already a beloved staple, I encourage you to whip up a batch soon. It’s a perfect meal for busy nights or cozy weekends, and chances are, it will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to share again and again.

Rotel Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

Author: Gabriel
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Rotel Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pot dish combining penne pasta with ground beef, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a rich blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a spicy kick balanced by creamy textures and melty cheddar cheese.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
Brown the Meat and Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Create the Sauce: Add the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese cubes to the skillet. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Rotel sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the Rotel pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier variety of Rotel tomatoes.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 425
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta, cheesy pasta, ground beef pasta, one pot pasta, spicy pasta, dinner recipe