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Creamy Rotel Pasta

Creamy Rotel Pasta: A Cozy Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes

Creamy Rotel Pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight meal, combining creamy cheese with zesty Rotel tomatoes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni or any pasta shape like penne or fusilli
For the Meat
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or canola oil
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder or finely diced fresh onion
  • to taste Salt adjust to suit personal preferences
  • to taste Pepper adjust to suit personal preferences
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) or plain diced tomatoes with spices
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese or sour cream for a tangier twist
  • 1 cup Beef Broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack/dairy-free alternative

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Rotel Pasta
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off any excess water, and set it aside for later.
  2. In the same pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the browned beef. Cook for an additional minute until the spices are fragrant and blended.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, softened cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir over medium heat until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Return the cooked macaroni to the pot with the creamy sauce, folding in to ensure every piece is coated. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and stir until melted.
  6. Ladle the Creamy Rotel Pasta into serving bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 32gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

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