Creamy Rotel Pasta with Sausage
This Creamy Rotel Pasta with Sausage is a hearty, flavorful comfort food dish that’s fast, easy, and irresistibly creamy. Juicy sausage is cooked with garlic, onions, and spicy Rotel tomatoes, then tossed in a creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta. It’s a weeknight dinner hero that brings bold, cheesy Tex-Mex vibes to your plate in under 30 minutes!
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
Salt for boiling water
For the Sauce:
1 lb (450g) ground sausage (Italian, breakfast, or spicy sausage)
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (mild or hot)
½ cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup heavy cream or milk
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
Fresh parsley or chopped green onions
Crushed red pepper flakes
Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add onion to the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant.
Add Rotel and Broth:
Pour in the can of Rotel (undrained) and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Make it Creamy:
Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Then pour in heavy cream (or milk) and shredded cheese. Stir until creamy and bubbling. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy sausage sauce. Let simmer 1–2 minutes so everything melds together.
Serve:
Spoon into bowls and top with fresh parsley, green onions, or extra cheese if desired. Serve hot!
Tips for Best Results
Choose the Right Pasta:
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells hold the creamy sauce well. Cook until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
Don’t Drain the Rotel:
The juices add extra flavor and help loosen the sauce—use the whole can, undrained.
Soften the Cream Cheese First:
Room-temperature cream cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce. Cut it into cubes for quicker melting.
Use Broth for Depth:
Chicken broth adds savory flavor to the sauce—avoid just using water.
Adjust Heat to Taste:
Use mild or hot Rotel and spicy or sweet sausage based on your spice preference. You can always add more heat later with crushed red pepper flakes.
Let It Sit Before Serving:
Letting the pasta rest for 3–5 minutes off the heat helps thicken the sauce and allows the flavors to meld.
Tasty Variations to Try
Make It Extra Spicy:
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Use hot Italian sausage or chorizo for an extra kick.
Swap the Protein:
Try ground turkey, ground beef, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage.
Add Veggies:
Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, corn, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
Tex-Mex Twist:
Add a handful of black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to give it a Tex-Mex casserole vibe.
Cheese Options:
Mix in pepper jack for spice, Monterey Jack for meltiness, or Velveeta for ultra creaminess.
One-Pot Shortcut:
Cook the pasta directly in the sauce by adding 2 cups of broth and simmering until the pasta is tender—no need to boil separately!
Bake It:
Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Q&A – Creamy Rotel Pasta with Sausage
Q1: Can I use any type of sausage?
Yes! You can use mild, spicy, Italian, chicken, or even turkey sausage. Just make sure it’s ground or crumbled. For a smokier flavor, smoked sausage (sliced) also works well.
Q2: Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone, ricotta, or a bit more shredded cheese and cream for a similar creamy texture. Greek yogurt also works for a lighter option.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based cream cheese, milk (like almond or oat), and dairy-free shredded cheese. Be sure your sausage is dairy-free as well.
Q5: Will this freeze well?
It freezes decently, though the cream sauce may change texture slightly. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat with added milk or broth.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving – serves 4–6)
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: 950mg
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Vitamin A: 10% DV
Vitamin C: 8% DV
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on sausage type, cheese, and pasta brand.
Conclusion
Creamy Rotel Pasta with Sausage is a cozy, crave-worthy dish that packs flavor and satisfaction into every bite. It’s spicy, cheesy, and creamy with the perfect balance of heat and comfort. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a rich comfort-food fix, this recipe checks every box.
Easy to adapt, ready in 30 minutes, and always a hit—this pasta is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation! Serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread, and enjoy a plate full of flavor.