Description
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring penne or rotini tossed in a rich sauce made from ground beef or turkey, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. This flavorful skillet meal combines simple ingredients for a comforting and festive dinner perfect for 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess grease to keep the dish leaner.
- Make the Sauce: Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, heavy cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
