Description
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex inspired one-pot dish that combines tender pasta, zesty Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, seasoned ground beef or turkey, and a rich cheese sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s highly customizable with options to add vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level, ensuring a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings and Variations
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added veggies
- Hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice
- Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Velveeta cheese for creamier texture
- Gluten-free pasta for dietary needs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Meat: In the same pot or a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add Spices and Rotel: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in the entire can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, including the liquid, and mix thoroughly.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use short pasta shapes like penne or rotini to better hold the sauce.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and avoids clumps.
- Adjust spice level by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes and adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce better.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: Rotel pasta fiesta, Tex-Mex pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick one-pot meal, cheesy pasta, ground beef pasta, easy family dinner
