Description
A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring a delightful combination of rotini, diced tomatoes, and creamy cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked ground beef or sausage
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini Pasta: Start off by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Bell Pepper: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until tender and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- Add Tomatoes and Optional Meat: Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies. If using, add your cooked ground beef or sausage. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Mix until well coated, adding reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with herbs or your favorite toppings.
Notes
For added depth, use smoked cheese. Customize with different proteins or vegetables, based on preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg