Rotel Pasta Fiesta – Creamy, Cheesy Tex-Mex Comfort in Every Bite
Rotel Pasta Fiesta combines creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex flavors with pasta for a quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Comfort Food, Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the meat: Cook ground beef or turkey in a large skillet until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in Rotel tomatoes, heavy cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make ahead: Cook pasta and meat in advance, store separately for up to 2 days.
- Customize flavor: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or swap meat for shredded chicken. Vegetarian option: add black beans and corn.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with garlic bread or a green salad. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.