Rotel Pasta Fiesta: High-Protein Tex-Mex One-Pot (Print Version)
Rotel pasta packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor and high protein all made in one pot in under 30 minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Tex-Mex Base
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
12 oz penne pasta, uncooked
03 -
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chiles, undrained
04 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
05 -
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Smoky Spice Blend
06 -
2 tsp chili powder
07 -
1 tsp ground cumin
08 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
09 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
→ Aromatic Flavor Builders
11 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
12 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
13 -
1 tbsp olive oil
14 -
1 cup frozen corn kernels
→ Creamy Fiesta Finish
15 -
4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
16 -
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
17 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
18 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Before cooking your Rotel Pasta Fiesta: High-Protein One-Pot Tex-Mex Meal, dice 1 medium yellow onion, mince 4 cloves of garlic, cube 4 oz of cream cheese and let it soften at room temperature, and drain and rinse the 15 oz can of black beans. Having everything ready ensures a smooth, stress-free cook.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 -
Add 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10) to the pot with the aromatics. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat if needed, then season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
04 -
Sprinkle in the full Smoky Spice Blend directly over the browned beef: 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their bold Tex-Mex flavor.
05 -
Pour in the full 10 oz can of undrained Rotel diced tomatoes & green chiles and 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Stir in the drained black beans and 1 cup frozen corn kernels. This is the heart of your Rotel Pasta Fiesta: High-Protein One-Pot Tex-Mex Meal — bring everything to a rolling boil.
06 -
Once boiling, add 12 oz uncooked penne pasta, stirring to submerge it fully in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the flavorful broth.
07 -
Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed, softened 4 oz cream cheese and stir continuously until fully melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce. Then fold in 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese and stir until melted. For the best Rotel Pasta Fiesta: High-Protein One-Pot Tex-Mex Meal, taste and adjust salt and pepper at this stage.
08 -
Remove the pot from heat and let your Rotel Pasta Fiesta: High-Protein One-Pot Tex-Mex Meal rest for 2-3 minutes — the sauce will thicken beautifully as it sits. Divide into 4 bowls and garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
# Notes:
01 -
🧀 Cream Cheese Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the pot. Cold cream cheese can clump and won't melt smoothly into the sauce. Set it out at least 20-30 minutes before you start cooking for the creamiest result.
02 -
🥡 Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, so add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating on the stovetop or microwave to loosen the sauce back up.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Tips: Ground turkey or ground chicken work great as a leaner swap for the ground beef. You can also use rotini or rigatoni instead of penne — just adjust cook time based on the package directions. For a dairy-free version, omit the cream cheese and use a dairy-free shredded cheese blend.
04 -
🌮 Serving Suggestions: Elevate each bowl with optional toppings like sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This dish also pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large deep skillet or Dutch oven (12-inch)
02 -
wooden spoon or spatula
03 -
measuring cups and spoons
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
cutting board
06 -
can opener
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 720 kcal
Total Fat: 28 g
Total Carbohydrate: 72 g
Protein: 48 g