Rotel Pasta Fiesta
Description:
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a zesty, cheesy, and hearty pasta dish made with spicy Rotel tomatoes, ground beef or chicken, and melty cheese – a perfect Tex-Mex comfort meal. It’s quick, flavorful, and a family favorite for busy weeknights!
Ingredients:
Serves 4-6
2 cups pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies, undrained)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1/4 cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown Meat & Sauté
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer with Rotel
Stir in Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Add shredded cheese and cream cheese to the skillet.
Stir until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat evenly with the sauce
Let it sit on low for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with cilantro or green onions.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~420 kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 35g
Fat 22g
Saturated Fat 10g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 4g
Sodium 580mg
Note: Values vary depending on ingredients used (beef vs chicken, cheese type, etc).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace ground meat with black beans or plant-based crumbles, and use veggie broth.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Use the hot version of Rotel and add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, cool it completely and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.
Q: What other cheese works?
A: Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Velveeta for extra creaminess.
Q: Can I bake it?
A: Yes! Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for
10–15 minutes until bubbly.