Introduction:
Looking to add some excitement to your dinner table? Look no further than this Creamy and Spicy Rotel Pasta Fiesta recipe! Bursting with bold flavors and creamy textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even novice chefs can whip up this delicious pasta dish in no time. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 8 oz pasta noodles
- 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 oz Blanco Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Seasonings: 1 tsp season salt, 1 tsp lemon pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp taco seasoning, 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning, 1 tsp Accent
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Directions:
- Cook the pasta noodles according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground chuck over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onions and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the meat and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the Rotel tomatoes (with juice) and all the seasonings. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add in the cubed Velveeta cheese and Blanco Velveeta cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the heavy whipping cream into the skillet, mixing well with the cheese sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover the skillet with a lid. Let sit on low heat until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
- Kcal: 690 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve alongside warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
- Pair with your favorite beverage, such as a refreshing lemonade or a glass of chilled white wine, to complement the flavors of the dish.
- Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sliced green onions on top for added richness and freshness.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the creamy texture of the sauce.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the pasta in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chuck in this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey can be a suitable substitute for ground chuck if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just cook it in the same manner as the ground chuck, ensuring it’s fully cooked before proceeding with the recipe.
- Is there a way to make this dish less spicy? If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of seasoning or omit some of the spicier ones, such as the taco seasoning or Slap Ya Mama seasoning. You can also reduce the amount of Rotel tomatoes used or opt for the mild version instead of the original.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground chuck and using a plant-based alternative or simply increasing the amount of vegetables in the recipe. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.
- Can I use different types of pasta? Certainly! While the recipe calls for pasta noodles, you can experiment with different shapes and varieties to suit your preferences. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work well with this creamy sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare components of this dish ahead of time to save time on busy days. You can cook the ground chuck and vegetables in advance, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Additionally, you can cook the pasta ahead of time and store it separately, tossing it with the sauce just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
FAQs:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chuck in this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey can be a suitable substitute for ground chuck if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just cook it in the same manner as the ground chuck, ensuring it’s fully cooked before proceeding with the recipe.
- Is there a way to make this dish less spicy? If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of seasoning or omit some of the spicier ones, such as the taco seasoning or Slap Ya Mama seasoning. You can also reduce the amount of Rotel tomatoes used or opt for the mild version instead of the original.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground chuck and using a plant-based alternative or simply increasing the amount of vegetables in the recipe. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.
- Can I use different types of pasta? Certainly! While the recipe calls for pasta noodles, you can experiment with different shapes and varieties to suit your preferences. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work well with this creamy sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare components of this dish ahead of time to save time on busy days. You can cook the ground chuck and vegetables in advance, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Additionally, you can cook the pasta ahead of time and store it separately, tossing it with the sauce just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
Conclusion:
With its creamy texture, spicy kick, and hearty ingredients, this Creamy Rotel Pasta Fiesta is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this mouthwatering recipe!