Zesty Rotel Pasta Fiesta Recipe: A Spicy Southwest Celebration

Creamy, cheesy pasta takes on a zesty twist with this rotel pasta fiesta recipe that brings serious flavor to your dinner table.

Southwestern-inspired ingredients dance together in a comforting dish that sparks excitement from the first bite.

Spicy diced tomatoes and green chilies add a bold kick to classic pasta preparations.

Melted cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every single noodle with rich, tangy goodness.

You won’t believe how quickly this crowd-pleasing meal comes together in just one skillet.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Dive into this delicious adventure and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Rotel Pasta Fiesta

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation, choose a short shape like rotini or penne for maximum sauce-catching potential.
• Ground Beef: Delivers rich protein and deep flavor, select lean meat for a healthier dish.

• Rotel, Onion, Garlic: Creates zesty southwestern base with bright, tangy notes, choose fresh garlic for maximum punch.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Builds complex spice profile, opt for fresh ground spices for more intense taste.

• Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheese, Milk: Transforms sauce into luxurious, velvety consistency, select full-fat dairy for maximum creaminess.
• Cilantro, Tortilla Chips, Jalapenos: Adds fresh crunch and vibrant garnish, choose fresh cilantro and crisp chips for textural contrast.

Tools To Prep Rotel Pasta Fiesta

• Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and creating the flavorful sauce.
• Pasta pot: Needed to cook pasta perfectly and drain water.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta after cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping onions and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise chopping of onions and cilantro.

Steps To Cook Rotel Pasta Fiesta

• Pasta Dance

Bring a pot of water to a sizzling boil, season it with a pinch of salt, and transform your pasta into a perfectly tender masterpiece. Let it swim and dance until it reaches that magical al dente moment, then drain and set it aside like a culinary superstar.

• Meaty Fiesta Kickoff

Grab your trusty skillet and let the ground beef sizzle and brown, breaking it into delicious little crumbles. Toss in some chopped onions and garlic, letting them soften and release their aromatic magic. Splash in the zesty Rotel, sprinkle some bold spices, and let everything mingle and groove for a few minutes.

• Creamy Cheese Symphony

Lower the heat and introduce cream cheese to your meaty mixture, watching it melt into a silky smooth embrace. Invite shredded cheese and a splash of milk to the party, stirring until everything transforms into a luxurious, creamy sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Pasta's Grand Finale

Unite the pasta with your spicy, cheesy creation, gently tossing until every strand is lovingly coated in the vibrant sauce. Let the flavors get to know each other and become best friends.

• Flavor Explosion

Serve this sizzling dish hot, and if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some chopped cilantro, crunch up some tortilla chips, or add sliced jalapeños to take the excitement to a whole new level.

Tips For Tasty Rotel Pasta Fiesta

90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile in your dish.

• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap cream cheese and shredded cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant food lovers.
• Protein Power Play: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Heat Level Hack: Control the spice intensity by selecting mild, medium, or hot Rotel tomatoes, allowing you to customize the recipe's zestiness according to your preference.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Serving Rotel Pasta Fiesta With Ease

• Fiesta Fresh Topping Choices
• Zesty Herb Sprinkle: Chop fresh cilantro, green onions, and parsley to add brightness and vibrant color to your pasta dish.
• Tex-Mex Crunch Factor: Crush tortilla chips or corn chips and sprinkle on top for an amazing crispy texture that complements the creamy sauce.
• Cool Contrast Additions: Add dollops of sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh salsa to balance the warm, spicy flavors of the pasta.
• Quick Cheese Boost: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco on top for a melty, cheesy finish that elevates the entire dish.

How To Store Rotel Pasta Fiesta

• Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore its original consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Fix: Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, keeping it flat to maintain texture. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly on the stovetop.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the meat mixture and sauce in advance, storing separately from pasta. Keep ingredients refrigerated for up to 2 days, allowing quick assembly when hunger strikes.
• Portion Power: Divide into individual serving containers for grab-and-go lunches. Pack with a small container of extra cheese or crushed tortilla chips to maintain the dish's exciting crunch when reheating.

Spicy Rotel Pasta Fiesta Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rotel pasta fiesta brings Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables with zesty cheese and spicy tomatoes. Creamy noodles combine hearty proteins and bold flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 12 oz (340 g) penne, rotini, or favorite pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (mild or spicy)
• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup milk (more if needed to adjust consistency)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Crushed tortilla chips (optional)
• Sliced jalapenos (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, then drain while preserving a small amount of cooking liquid for potential sauce modification.
2. Meat Foundation: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, draining excess fat. Incorporate onions and garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
3. Flavor Infusion: Blend Rotel tomatoes into the meat mixture, introducing chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a cohesive and vibrant base.
4. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and integrate cream cheese, stirring until completely melted. Gradually add shredded cheese and milk, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.
5. Final Assembly: Combine pasta with the cheesy meat sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if necessary. Transfer to serving dishes and embellish with optional garnishes like cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or jalapeño slices for added texture and zest.

Notes

• Pasta Precision: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring each bite maintains a satisfying texture and can absorb the rich sauce effectively.
• Fat Management: Drain excess beef fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and allow the sauce’s flavors to shine without unnecessary oiliness.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add cream cheese and shredded cheese gradually, stirring constantly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
• Spice Customization: Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match personal heat tolerance, allowing the dish to be mild or fiery based on individual preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg