Can I make Rotel pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can whip up the sauce up to 48 hours in advance and keep it chilled in your fridge. When it's mealtime, cook a fresh batch of pasta and gently reheat the sauce before mixing them together. If you plan to assemble the complete dish ahead of time, just be sure to cook the pasta slightly less than usual so it retains the perfect texture when warmed up.

What can I substitute for Rotel tomatoes if I can't find them?

If Rotel isn't available in your area, combine 1 cup diced tomatoes with 2-3 tablespoons of canned diced green chilies or a finely diced jalapeño. In a pinch, salsa (drained of excess liquid) can work too!

Is Rotel pasta spicy?

The spice level depends on which variety of Rotel tomatoes you choose. Mild Rotel provides just a hint of warmth, original has a pleasant medium kick, and hot Rotel delivers significant heat. You can always adjust by adding extra cheese to temper the heat or red pepper flakes to increase it.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and either enjoy as is or add plant-based protein like black beans, chickpeas, or meat substitutes. The creamy, cheesy goodness makes this satisfying even without animal proteins.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

For a nutrition boost, use whole grain pasta and incorporate plenty of vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. You can reduce the fat content by using light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar, though the texture won't be quite as creamy.

Creamy Dream Rotel Pasta: Easy Recipe!

Name: Creamy Dream Rotel Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle); 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained); 8 oz cream cheese; 1 cup cheddar cheese (freshly shredded); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 medium onion (finely diced); 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and black pepper (to taste); Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, lime wedges

Description

This creamy Rotel pasta combines tender pasta, melted cheeses, and zesty Rotel tomatoes with green chilies for the ultimate comfort food in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 medium onion (finely diced)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, lime wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain pasta without rinsing, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
Prepare the sauce base. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the creamy sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and add cream cheese to the skillet, breaking it into pieces. Stir continuously until it begins to melt, then gradually add broth while stirring to create a smooth mixture.
Add Rotel and seasonings. Stir in the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
Incorporate the cheese. Gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until completely melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Combine pasta and sauce. Add drained pasta to the sauce and gently fold everything together until each piece is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Serve immediately garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions if desired. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright finish.

Notes

Don’t drain the Rotel tomatoes – the liquid helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
For best results, grate your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Protein options: Add 1-2 cups of cooked, diced chicken, browned ground beef or turkey, or black beans.
Vegetable add-ins: Try diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, or spinach stirred in during the final cooking stage.
Spice level adjustments: Use mild, original, or hot Rotel depending on your preference. Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Make ahead tip: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store refrigerated. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 95mg