Description
Rotel pasta brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinners with its creamy, spicy blend. Quick preparation and bold flavors make this southwestern-inspired dish a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb ground beef or chicken (optional)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or your choice)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (diced with green chilies)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring it reaches al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, approximately 350°F.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate ground meat, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Pour Rotel tomatoes into the skillet, allowing ingredients to meld together for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and introduce heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Gradually fold in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, creating a smooth, creamy sauce by stirring consistently.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the cheese mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
- Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Choose lean ground meat like turkey or chicken for a healthier protein option that still packs rich flavor.
- For vegetarian variations, swap meat with plant-based crumbles or black beans to maintain a hearty texture.
- Control spice levels by selecting mild or original Rotel tomatoes, perfect for sensitive palates or kids’ meals.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the sautéing stage for more nutrients and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 386 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg