Description
Quick, creamy, cheesy pasta fiesta. Tender pasta, savory meat, and zesty Rotel tomatoes combine for a comforting weeknight meal, ready under 30 mins.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until tender-crisp, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add Rotel tomatoes, heavy cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use hotter Rotel tomatoes or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or corn for flavor and nutrition.
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat.
- Add black beans for more protein and fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American