Indulge yourself in my Creamy Rotel Pasta! All the flavors we know and love from the classic appetizer made into a creamy, cheesy pasta! Because after all, pasta makes everything better.
What is Rotel Dip?
Rotel dip also known as queso, is a popular game day appetizer that is traditionally made in the crockpot but can also be cooked in the smoker or oven. It’s the combination of ground beef, Velveeta cheese, cream cheese and Rotel tomatoes with diced green chilies. Savory with the perfect spicy kick. It’s served with tortilla chips and it’s the perfect party snack!
Of course that’s the traditional version. Mine is seasoned to perfection, with the addition of extra cheeses and green onions. But the verdict remains the same- Rotel dip is one of the best appetizers.
Why you’ll love this pasta?
Because it’s pasta, duh! This creamy Rotel Pasta features seasoned ground beef, spicy Rotel tomatoes, simmered in a creamy, cheesy Velveeta cheese based sauce. It’s so good, and taste better the next day. If you love Rotel dip, you’re going to love the rich and creamy pasta!
Ingredients for Rotel Pasta
- Pasta: I used Rotini Pasta for this recipe. But feel free to use any type of short pasta. Rigatoni or Penne pasta would work great.
- Cream Cheese: Makes this extra creamy.
- Jalapeño: if you don’t like spice, feel free to leave it out or remove the seeds.
- Rotel Tomatoes: I highly recommend using the medium or hot if you like spice.
- Ground Beef: 80/20!
- Velveeta Cheese: This is a Rotel dip staple. Don’t miss it.
- Cheese: If you’re feeling a little extra you can add your favorite cheese to the pasta. I added Colby jack. Pepper jack, or smoked cheddar would also be really good.
- Green onions: adds the perfect topping and flavor.
- Seasonings: onion powder, garlic powder, chile powder, salt, pepper, Tony’s.
- Pasta Water: y’all already know. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil.
Rotel Pasta Variations:
Feel free to customize this Rotel pasta with your own twist. Here’s a few ideas
- Make it green: if you want to add some extra veggies, spinach would be great.
- Shrimp: add shrimp to elevate this Rotel pasta. Crawfish will also work great as well.
- Use your favorite pasta: feel free to use your favorite short pasta. Rigatoni or penne will work great.
More Pasta Recipes To Try
Creamy Salmon & Broccoli Pasta Bake
Chicken Rasta Pasta
Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
If you make these Rotel Pasta, please be sure to leave a comment, and or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.
Classic Rotel Pasta
Ingredients
- 1/2 box Rotini pasta
- 1/2 block cream cheese
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup colby jack cheese
- 1 can rotel tomatoes
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Tony's Creole Seasoning season to taste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chile powder
- salt + pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup pasta water
- 1/4 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil then cook pasta according to the package, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a pan, brown the ground beef. When it's almost cooked through, add in onions and jalapeño. Sautè until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with Creole seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper, about 1/2 tsp. Remove the beef from the pan.
- Add in olive oil, minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautè until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream. Once it begins to bubble, reduce heat, add in cubes of Velveeta and cream cheese.
- Cover and allow the cheese to melt on low. Mix until smooth. Once the cheese completely melts, add in Rotel tomatoes, green onions, and season to taste.
- Add back in the ground beef, mix until combined then pour in cooked rotini pasta. Toss until the pasta is fully coated. Use a little pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Top with green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Did you make it?
Tag @cookwithci on Instagram and hashtag #CookwithCi
