Quick & Cheesy Rotel Pasta Recipe: A Family Dinner Win

Rotel pasta bursts with zesty, vibrant flavors that reinvent ordinary weeknight dinners into exciting culinary adventures.

Spicy and creamy textures dance together in this crowd-pleasing dish that promises immediate satisfaction.

Bold ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a tantalizing symphony of southwestern-inspired comfort food.

Mexican-influenced seasonings infuse the pasta with remarkable depth and unexpected complexity.

Robust cheese and tomato elements provide a hearty foundation for this quick and satisfying meal.

Families and friends will adore the way this recipe effortlessly balances heat, richness, and pure deliciousness.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this simple yet spectacular culinary creation.

Why Everyone Loves Rotel Pasta Fiesta

• Craving Comfort: A hearty pasta dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with a spicy Tex-Mex twist, perfect for satisfying those intense comfort food cravings.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Win: This one-skillet wonder comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy families and hungry home cooks looking for a delicious meal without hours of preparation.
• Flavor Explosion: Rotel tomatoes, seasoned ground chuck, and multiple cheese layers create a bold, zesty taste experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal bursting with southwestern flair.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different spice levels, protein preferences, or dietary needs, this pasta dish becomes a flexible favorite that can please everyone from kids to spice-loving adults.

Ingredients for Rotel Pasta Fiesta

• Ground Chuck: Lean and flavorful beef for robust meat base, choose fresh ground chuck with moderate fat content.
• Velveeta, Blanco Velveeta: Creamy processed cheese for smooth, rich sauce, provides excellent melting properties.

• Pasta Noodles: Classic base for casserole-style dish, select medium-sized pasta like penne or rotini.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps bind sauce, use full-fat version for best results.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides extra cheesy topping and additional flavor, sharp cheddar works well.

• Rotel Tomatoes: Spicy canned tomatoes with green chilies, adds zesty moisture and southwestern flavor.
• Onions: Provides aromatic base and depth of flavor, white or yellow onions recommended.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color and subtle sweetness, choose fresh, crisp peppers.
• Seasonings: Enhance overall taste profile and complement meat and cheese components.

How to Make Rotel Pasta Fiesta

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside in a colander.

Step 2: Brown Ground Meat

In a large skillet, cook ground chuck over medium heat until completely browned. Carefully drain excess fat using a colander or paper towels.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Medley

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers

Sauté until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.

Step 4: Infuse Rotel and Seasonings

Stir in Rotel tomatoes with juice and selected seasonings. Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting flavors meld together.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Velveeta
• Blanco Velveeta

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Incorporate Cream

Pour heavy whipping cream into skillet, mixing thoroughly to create a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to skillet, gently tossing to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 8: Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover with a lid, and let sit on low heat until cheese melts completely.

Tips for a Zesty Rotel Pasta Fiesta

• Master Pasta Texture: Perfectly cook pasta al dente by salting water generously and testing noodles 1-2 minutes before package instructions.
• Drain Fat Smartly: Use a colander or paper towels to remove excess grease from ground chuck for a lighter, cleaner dish.
• Veggie Flavor Boost: Sauté onions and bell peppers until caramelized edges appear for deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Cut Velveeta into small cubes and reduce heat to prevent scorching, stirring constantly for ultra-smooth sauce.
• Cream Incorporation Secret: Add heavy whipping cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and create silky, luxurious sauce consistency.

How to Keep Rotel Pasta Fiesta Fresh

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Method: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a little liquid if sauce seems dry.

Best Matches for Rotel Pasta Fiesta

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the spicy Rotel pasta with tangy, citrusy margaritas that cut through the rich cheese sauce and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Balance the creamy, heavy pasta with a light, crunchy coleslaw that adds fresh texture and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Mexican Lager: Select a cold, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to enhance the Tex-Mex flavors and cool down the dish's spiciness.
• Add Fresh Cilantro Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top to brighten the dish with a vibrant, herbal note that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Pasta Fiesta Variations to Try

• Spicy Southwest Pasta: Swap ground chuck with spicy chorizo, add jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Chicken Fiesta Pasta: Replace ground chuck with diced grilled chicken breast, incorporate black beans, and mix in corn for a lighter version.
• Mediterranean Fusion Pasta: Substitute ground chuck with ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.
• Vegetarian Rotel Delight: Replace meat with plant-based crumbles, add mushrooms and spinach, use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a meatless option.

Rotel Pasta Fiesta Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rotel Pasta Fiesta brings Mexican-inspired zest to classic comfort pasta with creamy cheese and spicy tomatoes. Hearty noodles dance with bold flavors, creating a quick weeknight dinner that sends taste buds on a flavor-packed adventure you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chuck
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta noodles
• 10 ounces (283 grams) Rotel tomatoes
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Blanco Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, diced

Seasonings and Cream:

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon season salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Accent
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta by boiling in salted water according to package directions until perfectly tender (al dente). Drain thoroughly and set aside in a separate bowl.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and crumble ground chuck, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain excess fat using a colander.
3. Introduce finely chopped onions and diced bell peppers into the skillet with browned meat. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic flavors.
4. Gently pour Rotel tomatoes with their natural juice into the skillet. Incorporate all selected seasonings, stirring to distribute evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
5. Reduce the skillet’s heat to low and add cubed Velveeta and Blanco Velveeta cheeses. Continuously stir until the cheeses completely melt, creating a smooth, creamy sauce with no visible chunks.
6. Stream heavy whipping cream into the cheese mixture, whisking carefully to create a luxurious, integrated sauce.
7. Transfer the prepared pasta into the skillet, using tongs or a large spoon to coat each noodle thoroughly with the rich, spicy sauce.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top of the dish. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly cooked pasta by following package instructions, ensuring an al dente texture that holds up to the rich, creamy sauce.
• Brown ground chuck thoroughly, draining excess fat to prevent a greasy dish and concentrate the meaty flavor.
• Sauté onions and bell peppers until soft, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a flavor-packed base for the sauce.
• Boost taste with Rotel tomatoes, which add a zesty kick and moisture to the pasta, complementing the cheese and meat.
• Melt Velveeta cheeses slowly to create an ultra-smooth, creamy sauce that coats every pasta noodle beautifully.
• Finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra layer of melty, gooey goodness that takes this dish to the next level.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg