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Creamy Rotel Pasta Recipe with Ground Meat in 30 Minutes

Creamy Rotel Pasta - featured image

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, tangy Rotel tomatoes, and savory ground meat. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken (or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian option)
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional spices: paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sautΓ© for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Add the ground meat to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or chili powder.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the Rotel diced tomatoes. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Add the heavy cream and broth to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
  7. Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and combined.
  8. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  9. Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to absorb the flavors.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

[‘Season as you go to ensure balanced flavor.’, “Don’t overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.”, ‘Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother sauce.’, ‘Simmer gently to avoid cream separation.’, ‘Customize spice level with cayenne pepper or spicy Rotel.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Rotel Pasta, Ground Meat Pasta, Quick Dinner Recipe, Easy Pasta Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Rotel Recipe, Creamy Pasta, Family Dinner, Spicy Pasta