Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy One-Pot Protein Meal (Print Version)
Creamy Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a quick one-pot meal packed with protein. Enjoy this flavorful, easy weeknight dinner that's a family favorite.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
# Ingredients:
→ The Fiesta Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
05 -
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Creamy Pasta Heart
06 -
12 ounces elbow macaroni or medium shells
07 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
08 -
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack or Mexican blend cheese
→ Tex-Mex Flavor Boosters
09 -
2 tbsp chili powder
10 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
11 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
12 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
13 -
1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
14 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
→ Fresh Fiesta Finish
15 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
16 -
2 limes, cut into wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1.5 lbs lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Add 1 large yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. This initial step sets the flavor foundation for your Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy One-Pot Meal with Protein.
02 -
Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained, and 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
03 -
Add 12 ounces elbow macaroni or medium shells to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This is key for your Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy One-Pot Meal with Protein.
04 -
Remove the pot from heat. Add 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes, and 1.5 cups shredded Colby Jack or Mexican blend cheese. Stir vigorously until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth, rich, and creamy. Ensure no lumps remain for the best texture.
05 -
Taste the Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy One-Pot Meal with Protein and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and black pepper if needed. Let the dish rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. This brief rest improves the overall consistency.
06 -
Ladle the warm Rotel Pasta Fiesta: Creamy One-Pot Meal with Protein into individual bowls. Garnish generously with 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately with 2 limes, cut into wedges, allowing everyone to add a squeeze of bright citrus to their serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Spice it Up: For extra heat, use 'Hot' Rotel diced tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
02 -
Protein Swap: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a different twist on this one-pot meal.
03 -
Make Ahead & Storage: This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if it's too thick.
04 -
Serving Suggestions: Beyond cilantro and lime, consider topping with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or pot (6-quart minimum)
02 -
cutting board
03 -
chef's knife
04 -
measuring cups
05 -
measuring spoons
06 -
wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 720 kcal
Total Fat: 36 g
Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
Protein: 44 g