thank you to whoever posted this the first time! this is a weekly meal in our household!
• 1 box of pasta (i use rotini or penne)
• 1 can of Rotel
• 1 can cream of mushroom
• 1 16-oz loaf of velveeta (i use the queso blanco kind)
• dash of garlic powder
cook pasta. mix all ingredients together until the cheese is melted. combine pasta with mixture. done!
Ingredients:
- 1 box of pasta (rotini or penne works well)
- 1 can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 16-oz loaf of Velveeta cheese (queso blanco or original)
- A dash of garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside.
- Prepare the Velveeta Cheese:
- Cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes. This will help it melt more evenly into the sauce.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, combine the can of Rotel (including the liquid), cream of mushroom soup, and the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese begins to melt evenly.
- Season to Taste:
- Add a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cheese and Rotel can be quite salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
- Melt and Combine:
- Continue stirring the mixture until the Velveeta cheese is completely melted, and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, add the cooked pasta to the saucepan or skillet. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese and Rotel mixture.
- Serve Hot:
- Allow the pasta to heat through in the sauce for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat. Your Creamy Rotel Velveeta Pasta is now ready to be served.
- Garnish (Optional):
- You can garnish your dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or a few slices of jalapeño for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your creamy pasta immediately while it’s hot and gooey. It’s a satisfying and comforting dish with a little kick from the Rotel!
- What is Rotel?
- Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies. It adds a spicy and tangy flavor to dishes and is commonly used in Tex-Mex and southwestern cuisine.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Rotini and penne work well, but you can use macaroni, spaghetti, or any other pasta shape you like.
- What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
- If you can’t find Velveeta or prefer to use a different cheese, you can substitute it with other processed cheese products or a combination of cheddar and cream cheese. However, keep in mind that Velveeta has a unique texture and melting ability.
- Is this dish spicy?
- The spiciness of the dish depends on the level of heat in the Rotel canned tomatoes and green chilies. If you prefer a milder version, you can use a mild Rotel variety, or you can opt for plain diced tomatoes.
- Can I add protein to this dish?
- Absolutely! You can add cooked and diced chicken, ground beef, or ground turkey to make this dish more substantial and protein-packed.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover Creamy Rotel Velveeta Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- Can I freeze this pasta dish?
- While it is possible to freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and cheese sauce may change upon thawing and reheating. If you do freeze it, make sure it’s in an airtight container, and consider slightly undercooking the pasta before assembly to help it maintain a better texture after freezing.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the cooked pasta. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta.
- Is there a way to make it less creamy?
- If you prefer a less creamy version, you can reduce the amount of Velveeta cheese or add a little more pasta to balance the consistency to your liking.
- Can I customize the recipe with additional ingredients?
- Certainly! You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Get creative and make it your own!
