This Easy Rotel Pasta is a cheesy delight, bursting with flavors from the tomatoes and spices. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy days!
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s a hit with everyone. I always feel like a rockstar when the pasta dish disappears in seconds! 🎉
It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with goodness, making it an excellent comfort food choice. I love serving it with some garlic bread on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Any pasta works, but I love elbow macaroni or rotini for this recipe. If gluten-free is a need, you can easily swap with gluten-free pasta; just watch the cooking time as it may vary.
Ro*Tel Tomatoes: This adds a zesty kick. If you can’t find Ro*Tel, use regular diced tomatoes with a bit of diced green chili or some hot sauce for heat.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives it a nice flavor. Alternatively, try Monterey Jack for a milder taste, or use a blend of your favorites. For vegan options, look for plant-based cheese alternatives.
Cream Cheese: It adds creaminess to the dish. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or even a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Sauce Is Smooth?
A smooth cheese sauce can be tricky, but it’s all about the heat and technique. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep the heat at medium. Too high can scorch the cheese.
- Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly. This helps it melt evenly and keeps the texture creamy.
- If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up while you stir.
Be patient, and don’t rush the melting process. Enjoy your delicious, creamy sauce!
Easy Rotel Pasta with Creamy Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10 oz) Ro*Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and 15 minutes making the creamy cheese sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it’ll still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. You want it to be hot enough to melt but not so hot that it browns the butter. Next, add the softened cream cheese and stir it around until it’s melted and creamy. This will make your base super smooth!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Pour in the Ro*Tel (with all those tasty juices) and the milk. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and some salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it’s heated through and bubbly.
4. Add the Cheese:
Slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring continuously. This helps it melt evenly and keeps your sauce super creamy. Keep cooking until the cheese is fully melted and combined with the sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time for the pasta! Add your cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently toss everything together so that the pasta is evenly coated with that delicious creamy sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove your skillet from the heat. If you want to make it look extra fancy, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Rotel pasta!
Bon appétit! Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is great, you can use any cheese you prefer. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses will work wonderfully too. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor slightly.
What If I Can’t Find Ro*Tel?
No worries! If Ro*Tel isn’t available, you can substitute it with a can of regular diced tomatoes and add some chopped green chilies or hot sauce to achieve a similar flavor and heat level.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before adding the cooked pasta, adding a little splash of milk if needed to loosen it up.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.