Description
Rotel Pasta Fiesta is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy pasta dish featuring tender pasta, seasoned ground sausage, and a rich sauce made with Rotel tomatoes, heavy cream, and melted cheese. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rotini)
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1 lb (450 g) ground sausage (or ground beef)
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1 can (10 oz / 283 g) Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
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1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
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1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup (55 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
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Drain excess grease.
3. Prepare the Sauce
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Stir in Rotel tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Cheese and Combine
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Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
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Stir until fully melted and creamy.
5. Toss in the Pasta and Serve
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until fully coated in the sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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Pasta Choice: Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best for holding the creamy sauce.
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Protein Options: Swap sausage for ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken.
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Cheese Variations: Use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor.
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to maintain creaminess.
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Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~550 kcal per serving