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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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