Description
A creamy and flavorful Rotel Pasta Fiesta combining ground beef or turkey with zesty Rotel tomatoes, rich cheeses, and aromatic spices, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 12 oz pasta of your choice
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
Sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it into small pieces with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Sprinkle in cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate cream: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir occasionally and allow it to heat through for 3-4 minutes, creating a rich sauce base.
- Add cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the cheesy sauce mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or use plant-based meat for a vegetarian alternative, though cheese and cream make this dish non-vegan.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding tomatoes.
- The dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh cilantro is optional but adds a nice fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
