What ingredients do I need to make creamy Rotel pasta?

To make creamy Rotel pasta, you typically need Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne), and Italian sausage or ground beef. You can also add shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack to boost creaminess. Additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper enhance the flavor. Fresh parsley or green onions can be added as a garnish for color and a hint of freshness.

Can I make creamy Rotel pasta vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of creamy Rotel pasta by omitting the sausage or ground beef and using plant-based protein like cooked black beans, lentils, or meatless crumbles. You can also add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth or water instead of meat-based broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.

How do I make creamy Rotel pasta spicier?

To increase the spice level of creamy Rotel pasta, add diced jalapeno peppers, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Using a hot Rotel variety instead of mild will also add more heat. You can also top the finished dish with sliced fresh jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce, adjusting the amount to your preferred spice tolerance.

What pasta types work best for creamy Rotel pasta?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, bowtie (farfalle), or elbow macaroni work best for creamy Rotel pasta. These shapes hold onto the sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Avoid very thin or long pastas like angel hair, which may not hold the creamy sauce as effectively.

Can I prepare creamy Rotel pasta ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, creamy Rotel pasta can be made ahead and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

Creamy Rotel Pasta With Sausage For Quick Comfort Food

Name: Creamy Rotel Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 10 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, large shells, or macaroni); – 1 pound Italian sausage (which can be substituted with hot or mild sausage, ground beef, chicken, or turkey); – 1 cup diced onion; – 3 minced garlic cloves; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 1 teaspoon chili powder; – 1 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1 teaspoon salt; – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; – Two cans drained tomatoes with green chiles; – 1 cup low sodium beef broth (or turkey, vegetable, or chicken broth); – 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; – 1 cup heavy whipping cream; – 6 ounces cream cheese; – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or alternatives like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper Jack); – Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Description

🍝 Creamy Rotel Pasta with Sausage for a Quick Comfort Meal delivers a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
🌶️ This recipe combines spicy sausage and creamy cheese sauce with zesty Rotel tomatoes for a comforting and quick meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

– 10 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, large shells, or macaroni)

– 1 pound Italian sausage (which can be substituted with hot or mild sausage, ground beef, chicken, or turkey)

– 1 cup diced onion

– 3 minced garlic cloves

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Two cans drained tomatoes with green chiles

– 1 cup low sodium beef broth (or turkey, vegetable, or chicken broth)

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 cup heavy whipping cream

– 6 ounces cream cheese

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or alternatives like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper Jack)

– Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1-Boil 10 ounces of rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2-In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté 1 cup of diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3-Add the Italian sausage (1 pound) to the skillet, cooking until browned and crumbled, which takes around 5 minutes; drain excess fat if needed.

4-Stir in the seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and smoked paprika, followed by two cans of drained tomatoes with green chiles, 1 cup of low sodium beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

5-Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 6 ounces of cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

6-Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing everything together to coat evenly, and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.

7-Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

🍳 Use your preferred sausage type or substitute with ground meats for versatility.
🧀 Try different cheeses like pepper Jack or mozzarella to vary the flavor.
🌿 Garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs to add a fresh finish and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5 grams
Sodium: 700 milligrams
Fat: 35 grams
Saturated Fat: 20 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 25 grams
Cholesterol: 110 milligrams

Keywords: Creamy Rotel Pasta, Sausage Pasta, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner