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Rotel Pasta Fiesta

Creamy Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Quick Comfort for Busy Nights

A quick and satisfying one-pot meal featuring creamy Rotel Pasta Fiesta that’s customizable for every palate.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Any type like penne, rotini, or spaghetti
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded, can swap for Monterey Jack or dairy-free cheese
  • 10 oz Rotel Choose heat level
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey Can substitute with chicken, tofu, or veggie sausage
For the Aromatics
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Can be replaced with vegetable oil
  • 1 small Onion Diced; shallots or leeks work well
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; no substitutions recommended
For the Spices
  • 1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika can be used
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin Omit if unavailable
For Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup Black Beans Optional; can substitute with preferred beans
  • Salt and Pepper To taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook for 7–9 minutes until browned. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
  4. Pour in Rotel and heavy cream, stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Lower heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
  7. Stir in optional black beans or veggies. Cook until they soften. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a creamier texture, reserve some pasta water before draining. Adjust spice levels to your liking.

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