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Rotel Pasta Recipe Easy and Creamy Dinner in 30 Minutes

Rotel Pasta - featured image

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish packed with bold flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie, cooked al dente)
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
  • 1 pound ground beef or sausage (or ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the can of Rotel tomatoes, including the juices, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese. Stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  6. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to loosen the sauce and achieve desired consistency.
  7. Sprinkle in shredded cheese and stir until melted and gooey. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

For a thinner sauce, add a splash of milk or extra broth. Adjust spice level with more red pepper flakes or mild Rotel tomatoes. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rotel pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, weeknight meal