When you need a comforting dinner with a little kick, this Rotel Pasta delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold southwestern vibes, this one-pot pasta combines tender noodles with melty cheese and the unmistakable zest of Rotel tomatoes (those canned tomatoes with green chilies we all love!).
It’s fast, filling, and super flexible — perfect for feeding a hungry family or doubling up for potlucks and game days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes or less
- 🌶️ A spicy twist on creamy pasta
- 🧀 So cheesy and satisfying
- 🥘 One-pot or one-skillet friendly
- 🍴 Easily adaptable with chicken, beef, or beans
Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements – Serves 4 to 6)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, elbow, or shells)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, black beans, or corn
- Garnish: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or more cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add Rotel and Cream
Pour in the can of Rotel (with juices) and the heavy cream. Stir and bring to a light simmer.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and sauce is smooth. Add chili powder if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or more cheese. Serve hot and enjoy that creamy, zesty goodness!
Tips & Variations
- 🐓 Add cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for protein
- 🥩 Brown some ground beef or sausage with the onions for a hearty meal
- 🌽 Stir in canned corn or black beans for Tex-Mex flair
- 🧀 Try Pepper Jack or Velveeta for a meltier texture
- 🌿 Garnish with green onions or hot sauce for extra layers of flavor
Make It One-Pot Style
Want even less cleanup? Cook pasta directly in the sauce!
Just add 2 cups chicken broth and uncooked pasta to the skillet with the Rotel and cream. Simmer, stirring often, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens (about 12–15 minutes), then stir in cheese and serve.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving – based on 6)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
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