Description
This creamy Rotel pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich sauce made with lean ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Infused with a blend of spices and simmered to perfection, this comforting meal comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 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
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese)
- Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Beef and Aromatics: In a large, deep skillet or pot, add the lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium-high heat, crumbling the beef until it is no longer pink and the onions have softened, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet mixture.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts evenly into the sauce, making it creamy and rich.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Rotel pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and optional jalapeno slices for an extra kick. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini based on preference.
- For a smoother sauce, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before adding.
- Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
