Description
This Creamy Rotel Pasta recipe combines tender penne pasta with a flavorful sauce made from ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, cheddar, and aromatic spices. It’s a comforting, spicy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering rich texture and a balance of savory and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese)
Garnish (Optional)
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Slices of jalapeno (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the beef and sauté onions: In a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook and crumble the beef until it’s no longer pink and the onions are softened, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and cream components: Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper into the skillet.
- Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet to help thicken the sauce.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Continuously stir until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and optional jalapeno slices. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, flavorful pasta dish!
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or jalapeno slices.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
- This recipe can be made with ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
