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Creamy Rotel Pasta

Creamy Rotel Pasta for Quick and Cozy Weeknight Comfort

Creamy Rotel Pasta is a quick and customizable dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Can substitute with penne or fusilli.
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can use canola oil if desired.
For Flavor
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Can use fresh minced garlic for more flavor.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Can substitute with finely chopped fresh onion.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 10 oz Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) Plain diced tomatoes can be used if unavailable.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Sour cream can be substituted for a tangy twist.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
For Finishing Touch
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Can replace with Monterey Jack or dairy-free option.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Rotel Pasta
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the browned beef, stirring well. Cook for another minute to awaken the flavors.
  4. Pour in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes, followed by softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir together until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Return the cooked macaroni to the pot, stirring into the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and fully incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat, serve hot, and garnish if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For leftovers, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to maintain creaminess.

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