Go Back
- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup corn (canned or frozen) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional for added protein) - Salt and pepper to taste Creamy Rotel Fiesta Pasta is a simple dish with bold flavors. You need just a few key ingredients for a rich taste. First, penne pasta gives a nice bite. I love how it holds the sauce well. Rotel diced tomatoes add spice and zest. They come with green chilies, making them perfect for this dish. The heavy cream and cream cheese create a smooth, creamy sauce. These ingredients blend well and make the dish feel rich. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor. It melts beautifully into the sauce. You can also use corn for sweetness and texture. It adds a nice pop of color and taste. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin bring warmth to the dish. They enhance the overall flavor without being overpowering. If you want to add protein, cooked shredded chicken works great. It makes the dish heartier. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is key to bringing out all the flavors. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it boils, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and let it cool for a bit. Next, we move on to the sauce. In a large skillet, add the can of Rotel diced tomatoes along with all the juices. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir this mixture over medium heat. Keep stirring until the cream cheese melts fully. You want a smooth and creamy sauce. Now, let’s add some cheesy goodness. Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of corn, and seasonings like 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If you want extra protein, fold in 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then add salt and pepper to taste. Time to bring it all together! Toss the al dente penne pasta into the creamy sauce. Stir well so every piece of pasta gets coated in that rich sauce. Once mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for about a minute. This resting time lets the flavors meld together beautifully. To avoid overcooked pasta, cook the penne just until it's al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Keep an eye on it, as it can cook fast. After draining, let it cool slightly. This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. To ensure the sauce stays creamy, whisk the cream cheese into the heavy cream slowly. Stir well as it melts. Keep the heat at medium to avoid boiling. High heat can cause the cream to separate, ruining that smooth texture. For added depth, consider using spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These can elevate the flavor without much effort. Fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, also bring brightness to the dish. When melting cheese, do it over low heat. Add it gradually to the sauce. Stir constantly to help it melt evenly. This technique avoids clumps and ensures a silky sauce. Serve your creamy pasta in deep bowls. This makes for a beautiful presentation. Top each serving with fresh cilantro for a splash of color. For added flair, sprinkle extra cheese on top. Complement your meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. These sides balance the richness of the pasta. A lime wedge on the side adds a zesty touch when squeezed over the dish right before eating. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you cook the penne pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture that holds up in the creamy sauce. Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro and consider using fresh corn off the cob, if available, instead of canned or frozen. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra kick in flavor. Customize to Your Taste: Adjust the spices according to your preference; add more cumin for warmth or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. {{image_4}} For a meat-free dish, swap shredded chicken with other protein sources. Try using canned black beans or cooked lentils for added texture and flavor. Both options boost protein while keeping the dish hearty. You can also add more veggies for a colorful and nutritious twist. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté them briefly before adding to the creamy sauce. This not only adds nutrients but also makes your pasta more vibrant and appealing. To adjust the spice level, you have many options. For a mild flavor, stick to the original recipe. Use a mild salsa or reduce the amount of Rotel. If you like it spicier, try using hot salsa or adding diced jalapeños. You can also tweak the seasonings. Add more cumin or chili powder for a bolder taste. Just remember to start with a little, and taste as you go. This way, you can find your perfect heat level. If you're looking for gluten-free options, swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. These options cook similarly and retain a nice texture. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes. Fusilli, shells, or even farfalle can add fun textures to your dish. Each shape holds the creamy sauce differently, making every bite unique and enjoyable. To keep your Creamy Rotel Fiesta Pasta fresh, follow these steps: - Let the pasta cool to room temperature. - Place it in an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge. This way, it can last for about 3 to 4 days. Use a glass or plastic container that seals well for best results. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in a few ways: - Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or milk to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. - Stovetop: Pour the pasta into a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of milk or cream and stir until warm. - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes. No matter how you reheat it, add a touch of cream to keep the texture creamy and smooth. If you want to freeze your Creamy Rotel Fiesta Pasta, here’s how: - Cool the pasta completely before freezing. - Pack it in a freezer-safe container or bag. - Remove as much air as possible. For best taste, use it within 2 to 3 months. To thaw frozen pasta, place it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the stovetop method. Add a splash of cream or milk to help regain that creamy texture. Enjoy your delicious meal! Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to help keep it creamy. Stir well as you warm it up. For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or whole milk. You can also blend silken tofu for a creamy texture. Another option is to use coconut cream if you want a hint of sweetness. Each choice keeps the dish tasty without adding too many calories. Yes, you can make it dairy-free! Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream. For cheese, try dairy-free cream cheese or nutritional yeast. These options keep the flavor while avoiding dairy. Taste as you go to find the right balance. Rotel diced tomatoes have a mild heat. They mix tomatoes with green chilies, giving them a gentle kick. If you want less spice, look for mild Rotel. For more heat, choose the original or hot version. You can also add extra spices like cayenne pepper to adjust the heat. In this post, we've explored how to make Creamy Rotel Fiesta Pasta. We discussed the key ingredients, like penne pasta, Rotel tomatoes, and cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking the pasta and making a creamy sauce. We also shared tips for perfect texture and flavor. Don’t forget about fun variations, from vegetarian options to spice levels. Finally, we covered how to store and reheat leftovers. With these ideas, you can create a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!

Creamy Rotel Fiesta Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring Rotel diced tomatoes, cheese, and optional chicken for added protein.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional for added protein)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches the al dente stage. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
  • In a spacious skillet set over medium heat, combine the can of Rotel diced tomatoes (including all the juices), heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously for a few minutes until the cream cheese has thoroughly melted and the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy.
  • To the skillet, add the shredded cheddar cheese, corn, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Mix gently while cooking until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is delightfully creamy.
  • If you're opting for added protein, gently fold in the cooked shredded chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Toss the al dente penne pasta into the creamy sauce, stirring well to ensure each piece of pasta is uniformly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit for about a minute. This resting time helps the flavors meld together perfectly.

Notes

Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword creamy, dinner, easy, pasta, Rotel