Description

Creamy Rotel Pasta is a deliciously rich and flavorful dish combining tender penne pasta with a savory sauce made from lean ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this pasta recipe features a harmonious blend of spices and a creamy texture that warms and satisfies.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound penne pasta

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Dairy

2 cans (10 ounces each) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
1 cup beef broth
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
5 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese)

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Other

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Freshly chopped cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the beef and aromatics: In a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook and crumble the beef until no longer pink and the onion softens, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
Add liquids and spices: Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Thicken the sauce: Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then pour it into the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
Add cheese: Stir the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until fully melted and smooth.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Serve: Plate the creamy Rotel pasta warm, garnishing optionally with freshly chopped cilantro and slices of jalapeno for extra heat. Enjoy!

Notes

For added heat, garnish with sliced jalapeno peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
Use any preferred cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
To make this dish gluten free, substitute gluten-free pasta varieties.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over low heat adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.