Name: Rotel Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 1 cup beef broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened; 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic salt; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

I’ve turned the classic spicy Rotel dip into a comforting, creamy pasta that’s perfect for weeknights. Penne tossed in a cheesy, tomato‑chili sauce with ground beef makes for an easy one‑dish meal I love. Rotel Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this comes together—just 30 minutes from prep to plate. The zesty kick from Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies adds bold, tangy flavor, while cream cheese and cheddar melt into a luscious sauce. It’s versatile too—I like swapping proteins or adding veggies, and it scales up for feeding a crowd.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb penne pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 cup beef broth
½ cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

I cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, I heat olive oil in a skillet, add ground beef and diced onion, and cook until browned and the onion softens (about 5–7 minutes), draining if needed.
I stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (~1 minute).
Then I add Rotel (undrained), beef broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, garlic salt, cumin, and black pepper. I simmer until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
I turn heat to low and stir in cheddar until smooth.
Finally, I toss in the cooked penne until it’s evenly coated.
I serve it hot, topped with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or chicken.
Stir in veggies like bell peppers, black beans, or chopped spinach when sautéing the onion.
Add heat by using hot Rotel or a pinch of cayenne, or tone it down with mild Rotel.
Use different cheeses—Monterey Jack or pepper jack add new dimensions.

storage/reheating

I refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep it saucy. To freeze, I cool completely and freeze in a sealed container for 2–3 months; I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When reheating, I use a medium-low stovetop, stir often, and add liquid as needed to avoid dryness.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

I often prepare the beef‑Rotel sauce a day ahead. It refrigerates well, and I just reheat and toss with fresh pasta before serving.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes—you can freeze this pasta for 2–3 months, though dairy sauces sometimes change texture. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.

What if I don’t have Rotel?

I use a can of diced tomatoes with chopped green chilies as a substitute—it captures the same flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat depends on the Rotel variety; mild is gentle, regular is balanced, and hot gives a real kick. I choose based on our mood.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. I’ve tried rotini, rigatoni, or shells and each one holds that creamy sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

I love how this Rotel pasta marries ease with bold, crowd‑pleasing flavor. It’s creamy, comforting, and finishes fast—perfect for busy nights when I want a satisfying, flavorful meal without fuss. Enjoy!