Name: Cheesy Rotel Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb pasta (any kind); 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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If you're craving a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish with just a bit of spice, then this Cheesy Rotel Pasta Skillet is a must-try! It's a one-pan wonder that's packed with bold flavors and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With the creamy goodness of heavy cream, the heat from the Rotel tomatoes, and the melty cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Cheesy Rotel Pasta Skillet

Ingredients

1 lb pasta (any kind)

1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.

Add the Rotel tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.

Once the pasta is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

If you prefer a milder dish, you can swap out the Rotel tomatoes for plain diced tomatoes or reduce the amount of green chilies.

For added protein, I like to throw in cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground beef. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese—mozzarella or Monterey Jack could add a nice twist to the flavor.

To make it a bit lighter, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but I love the richness the cream adds to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

This dish may become a little thicker after storing, so you can add a bit of extra broth or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While cheddar cheese gives this dish a nice sharp flavor, you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack. It will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. If you want to add some protein, try adding beans or sautéed mushrooms.

Can I make this in advance?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat with a bit of broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

How can I make this spicier?

To make the dish spicier, you can add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even some fresh jalapeños. If you want a more intense kick, try using spicy Rotel tomatoes with extra heat.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! You can easily swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free pasta package, as cooking times can vary.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Rotel Pasta Skillet has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight meals. It's super easy to make, packed with flavor, and comforting in every bite. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just looking for a quick dinner solution, this recipe delivers. It's creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy—definitely a recipe to keep in your rotation!

Recipe:

Cheesy Rotel Pasta Skillet

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a spicy kick from Rotel tomatoes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
Add the Rotel tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
Once the pasta is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot.