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Rotel Pasta Fiesta

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Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy pasta dish bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. With tender pasta, Rotel tomatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, it’s a quick and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Pasta:
    • 12 oz penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta, cooked and drained
  • For the Meat Mixture:
    • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (mild or spicy, as desired)
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Sauce:
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
    • 1/4 cup milk (more if needed to adjust consistency)
  • Optional Garnishes:
    • Chopped cilantro
    • Crushed tortilla chips
    • Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
    • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
    • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until softened.
    • Stir in the Rotel, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • Reduce the heat to low. Stir the cream cheese into the meat mixture until melted and smooth.
    • Add the shredded cheese and milk, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk, if needed.
  4. Combine with Pasta:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, swap the ground meat for black beans or diced sautéed vegetables.
  • For extra spice, use hot Rotel and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/rotel-pasta-fiesta/