Description
Creamy Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a quick, customizable Tex-Mex dish that transforms weeknights into culinary adventures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz Pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 tsp Taco Seasoning
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and do not rinse.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 tsp of taco seasoning, and ½ tsp of garlic powder to the skillet. Stir together and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Lower the heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and gently toss to coat.
- Reduce heat to low and sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish is customizable; try different proteins or cheeses.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Fresh tomatoes can replace canned Rotel for a fresher taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg