The Best Cheesy Rotel Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Creamy comfort meets zesty excitement in this mouthwatering rotel pasta recipe that combines rich cheese and bold southwestern flavors.

pasta lovers will adore how quickly this dish comes together with simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this spicy, cheesy sensation.

The blend of melted cheese and rotel tomatoes creates a magical sauce that coats every single noodle.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Dinner will never be the same once you experience this incredibly satisfying meal that brings serious flavor to your table.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that promises to become your new go-to comfort food.

Why You’ll Enjoy Rotel Pasta

• This Rotel Pasta delivers a rich, indulgent experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and cheddar creates an irresistibly smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta piece.
• Packed with bold flavors from Rotel, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika, this recipe transforms ordinary ground beef and pasta into an exciting meal that'll wake up your taste buds. It's way more interesting than standard pasta dishes.
• Busy home cooks will love how this recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. From browning beef to mixing in creamy sauce, you'll have a delicious dinner on the table without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Kids and adults alike will devour this hearty pasta. The mild spices and cheesy sauce make it appealing to different palates, while the option to garnish with fresh herbs adds a touch of sophistication for the grown-ups.

What Goes Into Rotel Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a satisfying texture to the dish.

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds rich, meaty flavor to the pasta.
• Onion: Provides a savory base and depth of flavor to the meat mixture.

• Rotel Tomatoes: Adds a zesty tomato and green chile kick to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a tangy, umami flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce texture.
• Cream Cheese: Helps to thicken and smooth out the sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty cheese element to the pasta.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Salt, Smoked Paprika: Brings complex, warming spices to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Cilantro, Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the meat and onions.
• Pasta Water: Optional liquid to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Cooking Directions for Rotel Pasta

Step 1: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook penne in salted water until al dente.

Drain pasta and set aside.

Save a small cup of pasta water for later sauce adjustments.

Step 2: Brown Savory Beef

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Olive oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is completely browned and onions are soft.

Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Rotel tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chili powder
• Garlic salt
• Smoked paprika

Pour Rotel, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices into skillet.

Stir and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce slightly thickens and flavors blend.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy whipping cream
• Cream cheese

Reduce heat.

Add cream and cream cheese.

Stir until cream cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, rich sauce with a warm orange tone.

Step 5: Combine and Cheese

• Cooked pasta
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix pasta into sauce.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

If sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Serve With Fresh Garnish

Scoop pasta into serving bowls.

Top with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for bright color and extra flavor.

Tips for Great Rotel Pasta

• Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Remove extra fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure cleaner flavor profile.
• Simmer sauce ingredients for 10 minutes to develop deeper, richer flavors and achieve ideal thickness.
• Reduce heat to low when adding cream cheese to prevent scorching and create silky, uniform sauce.
• Use reserved pasta water or beef broth to thin sauce if it becomes too thick, maintaining perfect creamy texture.

How to Store and Heat Rotel Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add a little liquid if sauce seems dry.

Sides That Work with Rotel Pasta

• Pair Spicy Southwest Ale: Complement the robust, zesty flavors of Rotel Pasta with a hoppy, slightly spicy craft beer from the Southwest region that matches the dish's bold southwestern profile.
• Serve Creamy Jalapeño Margarita: Blend a refreshing cocktail with tequila, jalapeño-infused simple syrup, and cream to echo the creamy, spicy undertones of the pasta while providing a cool contrast.
• Match Crisp Cucumber Salad: Create a light, refreshing side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, heavy sauce of the Rotel Pasta.
• Select Zesty Sangria: Prepare a red wine sangria with citrus fruits and a touch of heat from jalapeño, which will harmonize with the tomato and spice elements in the pasta dish.

Easy Rotel Pasta Spin-Offs

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace penne with gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Swap wheat-based Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a complete meat-free experience. Add extra spices to boost flavor intensity.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce Rotel tomatoes to lower carbohydrate content. Increase protein and fat with extra cheese and cream cheese.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Select dairy-free cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is Rotel necessary for this recipe?

Yes, Rotel is a key ingredient that provides tomatoes and green chilies, giving the dish its signature zesty flavor and slight heat. It’s a crucial component that distinguishes this pasta recipe.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. The seasoning and sauce will still provide rich, delicious flavor.

• How spicy is this pasta dish?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the Rotel and chili powder. If you prefer less spice, you can use mild Rotel or reduce the chili powder. For more heat, choose hot Rotel or add extra spices.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking skills like browning meat, simmering sauce, and boiling pasta. Even novice cooks can successfully prepare this tasty dish.

Rotel Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rotel pasta brings zesty Tex-Mex flavors to your dinner table with creamy cheese and spicy tomatoes dancing together. Comfort meets excitement in this quick, crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies you with its bold, comforting profile.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 can (10 ounces/284 grams) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 yellow onion, chopped

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Dairy and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente, following package timing. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

1. Place a large skillet over medium heat and warm olive oil. Add ground beef and diced onions, cooking until beef browns completely and onions become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

1. Introduce Rotel, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and smoked paprika into the skillet. Thoroughly combine ingredients and allow mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to integrate and sauce to slightly thicken.

1. Reduce heat to low and incorporate heavy whipping cream and cream cheese. Continuously stir until cream cheese dissolves, creating a smooth, creamy sauce with a warm, orange-tinted appearance.

1. Gently fold cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly coated. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until completely melted and integrated. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.

1. Transfer pasta to serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, adding a vibrant touch and complementary herbal note to the dish.

Notes

• Choose penne with ridges to help the creamy sauce cling better to each noodle, creating a more flavorful bite.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika levels to match your heat tolerance, making the dish mild or extra zesty.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar alternatives for a lactose-free option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg