If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious pasta dish, Rotel Pasta is the perfect solution! This creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy pasta combines ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a rich cream cheese sauce for a meal that’s packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Rotel Pasta Recipe

Easy & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Rich & Creamy: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, thanks to its mildly spicy and cheesy flavor.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, use different proteins, or spice it up to your preference.
One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup required!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Rotel Pasta

Main Ingredients:

1 pound penne pasta – Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking the ground beef and onion.
1 pound lean ground beef – Adds a hearty, savory flavor.
1 yellow onion, diced – Enhances the depth of flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a rich, aromatic taste.
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained – The star ingredient that brings spice and tanginess.
1 cup beef broth – Helps create a flavorful sauce.
1⁄2 cup heavy cream – Adds richness and creaminess.
4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened – Makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances umami depth.
1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a mild kick.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Provides a subtle smoky undertone.
1 teaspoon garlic salt – For balanced seasoning.
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds warmth and depth.
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper – Enhances overall flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for a gooey texture.
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish – Adds freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onions.
Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onions are soft (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 3: Add Garlic & Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Reduce heat to low.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet.
Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy Rotel sauce.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
Enjoy this delicious Rotel Pasta with your favorite sides!

Tips for the Best Rotel Pasta

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated cheddar melts much better!
Adjust the Spice Level: Add more chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce if you love extra heat.
Make it Lighter: Substitute ground turkey instead of beef and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Add Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
Make it Cheesy: For extra gooeyness, sprinkle more cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Rotel Pasta

This cheesy, creamy pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Side Salad – Adds freshness and balance.
Roasted Vegetables – Great for adding nutrition to your meal.
Tortilla Chips – A fun and crunchy side!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing:

Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or milk, stirring frequently.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

🧀🍝 Rotel Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy & Packed with Flavor! 🌶️✨

Author: therecipemingle

Print Recipe

Description

This Rotel pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy ground beef, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner! 😍

Ingredients

🍝 1 lb penne pasta
🛢️ 1 tbsp olive oil
🥩 1 lb lean ground beef
🧅 1 yellow onion, diced
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🍅 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
🥣 1 cup beef broth
🥛 ½ cup heavy cream
🧀 4 oz cream cheese, cubed & softened
🥄 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
🌶️ 1 tsp chili powder
🌿 1 tsp smoked paprika
🧂 1 tsp garlic salt
🌾 ½ tsp ground cumin
⚫ ½ tsp black pepper
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🌿 Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef & Onions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef & diced onion and cook until beef is browned and onions are soft (5-7 minutes).
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3️⃣ Make the Creamy Rotel Sauce

Add Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper.
Stir and bring to a simmer.
Cook for 5 minutes, until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

4️⃣ Melt the Cheese

Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix until smooth and creamy.

5️⃣ Toss with Pasta & Serve

Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! 😋

Notes

🔥 Want it spicier? Use hot Rotel or add red pepper flakes.
🥓 Extra indulgence? Add crispy bacon bits on top.
🥦 Make it heartier! Stir in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

A rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish, ready in just 30 minutes! Who’s making this Rotel pasta tonight? 😍🍝

Final Thoughts

This Rotel Pasta is a must-try if you love creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy comfort food. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner recipe that’s easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Try this easy Rotel Pasta recipe today and bring a new twist to your pasta nights!

Rotel Pasta: A Creamy, Flavorful Comfort Food Classic