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Rotel Pasta Fiesta

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A quick and creamy Tex-Mex pasta dish that’s satisfying for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef or turkey and break it up with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Return the skillet to medium heat. Pour in the undrained Rotel, then stir in the heavy cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the pasta and fold until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Serve hot, topped with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

You can swap the taco seasoning for chili powder and cumin. For a lighter dish, use half-and-half. Adding black beans or corn will bulk up the meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/rotel-pasta-fiesta/