Description
A hearty one-pot pasta recipe featuring penne tossed with savory ground beef, creamy cheddar and cream cheese, and the bold flavor of Rotel tomatoes. This dish is simple, satisfying, and packed with creamy, zesty flavor—perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies, undrained)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the Rotel tomatoes (with juices) and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and fully combined with the beef mixture.
5. Reduce heat to low, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk when reheating leftovers.
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor twist.
If you prefer a spicier version, use hot Rotel or add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, rotel pasta, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta, one pot dinner