Description
Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into the world of Rotel Pasta, a creamy, hearty, and incredibly delicious dish. This Rotel Pasta recipe is a perfect weeknight meal, packed with rich flavors from Rotel tomatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and tender penne pasta. Whether you’re a fan of cheesy, savory comfort dishes or looking for a new way to impress family and friends, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Optional substitutions:
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free pasta for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Replace cheddar with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onions are soft.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper to enhance the flavors of the beef mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Rotel Tomatoes
Pour in the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes and mix everything well. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Melt the Cheddar
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, ensuring each piece is well coated with the rich Rotel sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion elevate the flavor more than their powdered versions.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer less heat, opt for mild Rotel tomatoes. For those who like it spicy, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy texture: To make the sauce extra creamy, consider adding a bit more cream cheese or heavy cream.