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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and integrate cream cheese, stirring until completely melted. Gradually add shredded cheese and milk, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.
- 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