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Creamy Rotel Dip Pasta

Creamy Rotel Dip Pasta
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Creamy Rotel Dip Pasta is a rich and cheesy pasta dish that combines zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies with creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe offers a mild spicy kick with versatile options for customization. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it requires minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor and comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Protein

  • 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage

Instructions

  1. Cook Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce, making sure not to overcook so the pasta holds its shape in the creamy dip.
  2. Brown the Meat (If Using): In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  3. Build the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and add cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted. Pour in Rotel tomatoes with their juices, milk or heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring frequently to combine flavors and create a smooth sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat each piece in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until fully melted and evenly distributed, creating that irresistible cheesy texture.
  5. Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Finish with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose sturdy pasta shapes like elbows or rotini to hold the creamy sauce well.
  • Slightly undercook pasta so it finishes cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and milk or cream for the creamiest texture.
  • Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid clumps in the sauce.
  • Add shredded cheese gradually and stir well to promote smooth melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Rotel Dip Pasta, Rotel dip pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, easy weeknight dinner, family-friendly pasta

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/creamy-rotel-dip-pasta/