Description
Rotel Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender pasta with a creamy, spicy tomato and cheese sauce made from Rotel tomatoes. It’s an easy weeknight meal that packs a zesty punch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Rotel tomatoes with juices, cream cheese, milk, and chili powder. Stir and cook until cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use mild or hot Rotel tomatoes depending on your heat preference.
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier meal.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: rotel pasta, creamy tomato pasta, easy weeknight meal, spicy pasta, cheese pasta