Rotel Pasta Fiesta 🌶️🧀🍝
This creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy pasta dish is the perfect one-pan weeknight dinner. Customize it with your favorite protein, pasta, and add-ins!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Colander
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or spaghetti
- 1 can Rotel 10 oz; choose preferred heat level
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 cup black beans optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Add ground meat to the skillet. Cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- Step 4: Stir in the can of Rotel (with liquid). Reduce heat and pour in the heavy cream. Mix well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce, if needed.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Step 7: Optional: Add black beans or extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Serve hot with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Notes
Substitute pasta, meat, or cheese based on what you have. To make it vegetarian, try using tofu crumbles and veggie stock. Add chili flakes if you like extra spice!