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Rotel Pasta Fiesta

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Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a bold, cheesy, Tex-Mex-inspired comfort dish made with ground meat, pasta, and spicy Rotel tomatoes. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.

Ingredients

  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (original, mild, or hot)
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning or 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
  3. Add garlic and ground meat. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning if using.
  4. Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add cream cheese or sour cream and stir until melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
  6. Mix in the cooked pasta and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly coated.
  7. Optional: Garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, or sliced jalapeños before serving.

Notes

  • Add-ins like black beans, corn, or bell peppers work great for extra texture.
  • Use hot Rotel or hot sauce for more spice.
  • Swap meat for shredded chicken or make vegetarian by using beans and veggies only.
  • To make it a baked dish, top with cheese and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
  • Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

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