Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy One-Pot Meal (Print Version)
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal. Enjoy tender pasta, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and savory meat in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
# Ingredients:
→ The Sizzling Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
06 -
1 tbsp chili powder
07 -
1 tsp ground cumin
08 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Fiesta Heart & Soul
10 -
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
11 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 -
1 cup 2% milk
13 -
8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
14 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
→ Cheesy Finish & Fresh Flair
15 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
16 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
17 -
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Add 2 cloves garlic (minced) to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to toast. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, building the flavor for your Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy One-Pot Meal.
02 -
Pour in 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, and 1 cup 2% milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
03 -
Add 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering liquid. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally for a perfect Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy One-Pot Meal.
04 -
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese (cubed) until fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Then, add 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it's completely melted and smooth.
05 -
Let the Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy One-Pot Meal rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) and optional 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced) before serving warm.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra heat, use "Hot" Rotel diced tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. You can also leave the seeds in the optional jalapeño garnish.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
03 -
Feel free to add other diced vegetables like corn (drained, 1 cup) or black beans (rinsed, 1 can) along with the Rotel for added nutrition and flavor.
04 -
Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend would also work wonderfully in this dish for a slightly different cheesy profile.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 553 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
Protein: 34 g