Name: Rotel Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to add a punch of flavor and a hint of spice to your weeknight routine, this Rotel Pasta is your answer! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory ground beef and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, this dish is the definition of comfort food with a southwestern twist. In under 40 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling skillet of pasta that’s bright, hearty, and sure to become one of your most-requested recipes for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re a pasta pro or a beginner in the kitchen, Rotel Pasta delivers bold flavor without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a few everyday ingredients, Rotel Pasta comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours making it. Each item in this lineup brings something essential to the table—flavor, texture, and that signature creamy-meets-spicy kick you crave.

Penne pasta: Firm and tube-shaped, penne is perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and keeps everything from sticking in your skillet.
Lean ground beef: Gives the dish hearty, meaty substance and soaks up the spices perfectly.
Yellow onion: Sweet and mellow, it provides essential background flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Four cloves create that irresistible savory aromatics—you can always use a bit more if you’re a garlic lover!
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: The undisputed star, bringing a punchy tomato base and a kick of heat.
Beef broth: Amplifies depth and makes the sauce extra robust.
Heavy cream: Offers velvety richness, making every bite decadently creamy.
Cream cheese: Melted right into the sauce for tang and a dreamy, smooth texture.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a touch of umami depth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Chili powder: A gentle, smoky spice to wake up every forkful.
Smoked paprika: The secret ingredient for adding subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Garlic salt: Gives an extra boost of umami and enhances all the ingredients.
Ground cumin: Earthy and warm—it pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and beef.
Black pepper: A simple seasoning that brings everything together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection and delivers a sharp, cheddar bite.
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley: A vibrant, herby finish that balances the creamy, spicy sauce.

How to Make Rotel Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—this ensures your Rotel Pasta absorbs the sauce without turning mushy. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the savory beef sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

While the pasta cooks, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion, breaking up any large chunks of meat as it browns. In about 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll see the onion turning fragrant and soft, while the beef loses all its pink. This forms the hearty, flavorful base that’s going to soak up all those zesty spices.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Toss in your minced garlic and give everything a good stir for about a minute. You want the garlic to become just fragrant, not brown—it’ll infuse the meat and onions with bold flavor, making your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the entire can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (juice and all), the beef broth, heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper right into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it all come to a gentle simmer. In about five minutes, the cream cheese will melt into the sauce, thickening it to a gorgeous, creamy consistency full of tang and spice.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Turn the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently until it’s fully melted and your sauce is smooth and glossy. The cheddar brings a luscious, slightly tangy sharpness and helps the sauce cling perfectly to every piece of penne.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now, add your cooked penne pasta right into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until all the pasta is thoroughly coated in the dreamy Rotel sauce. Take a taste—season with a little extra salt or pepper if you think it needs it.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the Rotel Pasta into bowls and sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro or parsley. The herby punch cuts through the creamy richness, making each bite fresh and perfectly balanced. Serve it hot and get ready for lots of empty plates!

How to Serve Rotel Pasta

Garnishes

Top your Rotel Pasta with a sprinkle of more cheddar cheese while it’s still hot for extra gooey goodness. A handful of chopped cilantro or parsley adds fresh, herby brightness that lifts the whole dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few sliced green onions or a tiny dollop of sour cream can take the presentation—and flavor—to a whole new level.

Side Dishes

Rotel Pasta is already hearty, but pairing it with a crisp green salad balances out the richness and adds a fresh crunch. For a classic touch, add some warm, buttered garlic bread or a rustic baguette to soak up all that sumptuous sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies, like broccoli or asparagus, round out the meal perfectly and give you a pop of color on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Rotel Pasta for a party, try spooning it into individual ramekins and broiling with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, crave-worthy finish. You can also serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a more casual, homey vibe. For leftovers, stuff them into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until the tops are golden—suddenly, it’s a brand-new dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Rotel Pasta cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for three to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches or speedy weeknight dinners. The flavors often deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

Rotel Pasta can be frozen for longer storage. Simply portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeeze out any extra air, and freeze for up to two months. Just keep in mind that creamy sauces can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing, but a gentle stir while reheating brings it right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your Rotel Pasta into a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Warm it in the microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring in between until evenly heated. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce and keep everything creamy.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully in place of ground beef. Each option brings its own flavor and texture, keeping your Rotel Pasta just as delicious.

Is Rotel Pasta spicy?

Rotel Pasta has a mild to medium kick thanks to the green chilies in the Rotel tomatoes. For less heat, choose the mild variety or add a splash of cream to cool things down, while spice lovers can opt for the “Hot” Rotel and bump up the chili powder!

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely! Penne is great for clinging to the creamy sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, or even shells are excellent substitutes. Use whatever you have on hand—the sauce is the real star of Rotel Pasta.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Skip the beef and double up on beans like black beans or pinto beans for a protein boost. A mix of mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers also blends beautifully with the spicy, creamy base.

What cream cheese substitute can I use?

If you don’t have cream cheese, try using mascarpone, ricotta, or even Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier and lighter sauce in your Rotel Pasta.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let this Rotel Pasta recipe just sit in your bookmarks—grab those ingredients and give it a try! It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table, hungry for seconds. Enjoy the burst of flavor, spice, and creaminess in every bite!

Rotel Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Rotel Pasta recipe is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of ground beef, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and creamy sauce makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Instructions

Cook the Penne Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add ground beef and onion, cook until browned.
Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Combine Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, spices. Simmer until thickened.
Melt Cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese until smooth.
Combine Everything: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until coated.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro or parsley and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American