If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Rotel Pasta is the answer to your prayers! Imagine the comforting heartiness of pasta, combined with the smooth richness of a creamy sauce and a zesty kick from the famous Rotel tomatoes. This dish is the ultimate comfort food with a bit of a twist, and it comes together in no time. It’s so simple to make, yet every bite is packed with deliciousness. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love Rotel Pasta
This recipe is a dream come true for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Here’s why you’ll be coming back for more:
Versatile
You can easily adjust this dish to fit your tastes. Add some chicken, beef, or even veggies to make it your own. The possibilities are endless, making this a flexible go-to recipe.
Budget-Friendly
With just a few pantry staples, you can create a hearty and filling meal that doesn’t break the bank. It’s perfect for when you want something comforting without splurging.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is the definition of quick and easy. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, creamy pasta ready to be devoured. It’s perfect for when you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
Customizable
Want it spicier? Add some jalapeños. Want a cheesy kick? Stir in extra cheese. You can tailor this recipe to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing
This one’s a hit with everyone—kids, adults, picky eaters—you name it. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Rotel Pasta is made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rotel Tomatoes
The star ingredient of this dish, Rotel tomatoes bring the perfect balance of heat and tanginess, with a little extra spice. It’s what gives this pasta its signature kick.
Pasta
Use your favorite pasta—whether it’s penne, spaghetti, or fusilli, it will soak up the creamy sauce beautifully and make the dish filling.
Cream Cheese
For that dreamy, creamy texture, cream cheese is key. It melts into the sauce, creating a luscious, velvety base that clings to every noodle.
Cheddar Cheese
A generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese gives the pasta a cheesy richness that will have everyone going back for seconds.
Garlic
Garlic adds a savory, aromatic base to the sauce, making everything come together in the most delicious way.
Onion
Chopped onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish, complementing the heat from the Rotel tomatoes perfectly.
Chicken Broth
To help create the smooth sauce, chicken broth adds flavor and helps thin out the cream cheese to the perfect consistency.
Olive Oil
Used to sauté the garlic and onions, olive oil adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious Rotel Pasta:
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Onion
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the Rotel tomatoes (with their juices), cream cheese, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the Cheddar Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat every noodle with that creamy, cheesy sauce. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the pasta is coated and heated through, serve it warm, garnished with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick. Dig in and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500-600
(Note: these are approximate values and may vary based on ingredient choices.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Rotel Pasta
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but here are some sides that will complement it beautifully:
- Serve it with a simple green salad, dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Pair it with garlic bread for the ultimate indulgent meal.
- Add a side of sautéed vegetables to make it a well-rounded dinner.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make this Rotel Pasta even better:
- For extra protein, toss in some cooked chicken, ground beef, or even shrimp for a complete meal.
- If you like your pasta spicier, add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
- Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for any cheese you love, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it for an easy meal prep option.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. - Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, ground beef, or even sausage to make it heartier. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini will work great in this recipe. - Is this recipe spicy?
The Rotel tomatoes add a mild heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always add more heat with jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer. - Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to add some extra seasoning and spices to replicate the tangy, zesty flavor of Rotel. - Can I use sour cream instead of cream cheese?
While sour cream can give a tangy flavor, cream cheese creates a creamier texture. If you prefer sour cream, you can swap it, but the result will be a bit different. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. - How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a flavorful vegetarian version. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Rotel Pasta is one of those dishes that’s perfect for when you want something quick, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this dish delivers every time. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of pasta heaven!
Print
Rotel Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and creamy pasta dish with a flavorful Rotel tomato and green chili sauce, combined with cheese and pasta for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (any variety, such as penne or rotini)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 lb cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage for added protein
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Rotel tomatoes with their juices, heavy cream, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Once simmering, reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add cooked chicken, beef, or sausage for additional protein.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve the Rotel pasta hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use the hot variety of Rotel or add extra chili powder and cayenne pepper.
- This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be easily customized with different proteins or vegetables.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg