Rotel Pasta Recipe

Ready to spice up your comfort food game? Rotel Pasta brings together creamy, cheesy goodness, a hint of smoky sausage, and a punch of vibrant tomatoes and green chiles—all in one irresistible skillet meal. It’s the ultimate answer for cozy weeknights, potlucks, and anytime you crave something hearty, zesty, and seriously satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Rotel Pasta is that you don’t need a mile-long list to create something mouthwateringly memorable. Each ingredient brings big flavor, color, or that classic creamy texture we all crave—so don’t skip a thing!

• Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and classic comfort—perfect for bulking up your sauce.
• Ground sausage: Go for a mild or spicy variety for depth and extra savoriness; it makes every bite more exciting.
• Penne pasta: The ridges are made for catching that cheesy, zesty sauce, plus it holds up well against the robust mix-ins.
• Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, it mellows into sweet richness in the sauce.
• Red and yellow bell peppers: These lend vibrant color and a burst of juicy, fresh flavor—so cheerful in every forkful.
• Rotel (two 10-oz cans, undrained): The star of the show! Tomatoes and green chiles give you tang, spice, and brightness.
• Velveeta cheese: This cheese melts like a dream, creating the seriously creamy sauce that coats every noodle.
• Milk: Helps the Velveeta become silky and luscious—no clumps, just smooth cheesy bliss.
• Onion powder & garlic powder: These simple pantry spices add layers of flavor in seconds with no fuss.

Variations

One of the best things about Rotel Pasta is how customizable it is—just a few small swaps or add-ins, and you can make this dish your own. Whether you’re working with what’s in the fridge or tailoring it to family favorites, there’s lots of delicious flexibility.

• Chicken or Turkey: Swap out the ground beef and sausage for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter take that’s still satisfying.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or baby spinach for even more color, nutrition, and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this a crowd-friendly comfort food everyone can love.
• Spice Control: Choose mild Rotel for a family-friendly version, or go bold with extra-hot for chili fans—totally up to you!

How to Make Rotel Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your penne (or pasta of choice) according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook—the pasta will soak up some cheesy sauce later, and you want it to keep a nice bite!

Step 2: Sauté Meat and Veggies

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef, ground sausage, diced onions, and both bell peppers. Cook everything, breaking up the meat, until it’s fully browned and the peppers start to soften. Drain off any extra grease for a lighter, less oily sauce.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the onion powder and garlic powder, and give it all a good stir. This is your chance to let those flavors soak into the meat and veggies for a minute or two before the cheese party begins.

Step 4: Add Rotel, Milk, and Velveeta

Toss in your two cans of undrained Rotel, pour in the milk, and drop in the cubes of Velveeta. Stir everything together, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the magic happen. Stir every so often until the cheese is melted and you have a bubbling, creamy sauce loaded with zesty tomato goodness.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Serve

Now for the best part! Add your cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in that savory, cheesy Rotel sauce. Serve up steaming bowls, grab your spoon, and get ready for comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Rotel Pasta

Garnishes

Take your Rotel Pasta over the top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for color, or scatter some sliced green onions for a little crunch and zing. For extra indulgence, a bit of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

This pasta is bold and satisfying, so keep sides simple—think a fresh green salad with creamy ranch or a big bowl of steamed broccoli. For the carb lovers, you can’t go wrong with warm garlic bread or simple dinner rolls to mop up that sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Spoon Rotel Pasta into a casserole dish, top it with a light layer of shredded cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden top. Or serve in individual ramekins for fun, pub-style comfort food everyone can dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Rotel Pasta into an airtight container and stash it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, so don’t be surprised if you look forward to lunch the next day!

Freezing

Want to save some for a busy night? Rotel Pasta can be frozen—just let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To bring Rotel Pasta back to its gooey, creamy glory, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk. The microwave works too—just stir halfway through and add a little extra milk if needed to keep it saucy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re in need of comfort, crave a little spice, or simply want an easy dinner that everyone will ask for on repeat, give Rotel Pasta a try. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and full of flavor—pure happiness in a skillet. Can’t wait for you to dig in and make this family favorite your own!

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