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- 12 oz rotini pasta - 1 lb spicy Italian sausage - 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley - Extra cheese for serving - Optional: garlic bread on the side Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The rotini pasta is the star here, holding the creamy sauce well. The spicy Italian sausage adds a kick, while the Rotel diced tomatoes bring a zesty flavor. Heavy cream and cream cheese make the dish rich and smooth. Don’t forget the cheddar cheese for that melty goodness! For seasoning, olive oil helps brown the sausage and adds flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the taste without overpowering it. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten your dish. Extra cheese is always a good idea. Garlic bread on the side makes it even better! Enjoy this simple yet tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it until al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This helps keep it from getting mushy. Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb of spicy Italian sausage, casing removed. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes. Ensure it is fully cooked and has a nice color. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Now it’s time to add some excitement! Stir in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Next, you’ll want to make it creamy. Reduce the heat to low and add 1/2 cup of cream cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Then, slowly mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. This will give your sauce a rich and creamy texture. Finally, add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss it gently in the creamy sausage sauce. Make sure all the pasta is well-coated. Heat everything through for about one more minute. This ensures that the dish is warm and ready to serve. To cook pasta al dente, follow these steps: - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Add rotini pasta and stir gently. - Check the package for cooking time. - Taste the pasta a minute before the time is up. - The pasta should be firm yet tender. For browning sausage evenly: - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Add the sausage and break it up with a spatula. - Spread it out in the pan to cook evenly. - Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until browned. To boost the flavor of your dish, try these spices: - Add a pinch of cayenne for heat. - Use smoked paprika to add depth. - Mix in Italian seasoning for a herby taste. You can also add veggies to the dish: - Chop bell peppers for sweetness and color. - Toss in spinach for a fresh touch. - Include zucchini for extra texture and nutrients. To serve this dish nicely: - Use deep pasta bowls for a generous look. - Top with extra cheese for richness. - Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for color. Consider adding a slice of garlic bread on the side. It pairs well with the creamy pasta and adds crunch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Sausage: Opt for fresh spicy Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you can find it, try to use sausage that is made with high-quality meats and spices. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Mixing cheeses can enhance the creaminess. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, use regular Italian sausage and reduce the amount of Rotel used. You can always add hot sauce later for those who want more spice. Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. This ensures a perfect texture in every bite. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta shape to keep things fun. Try using penne, fusilli, or farfalle instead of rotini. Each shape holds sauce differently. Fusilli twists grab more sauce, while penne's ridges create a tasty bite. Farfalle adds a playful touch to your plate. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite! If you want a lighter meal, swap the spicy Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken. Both options work well and keep the dish tasty. For a meat-free version, use mushrooms or plant-based sausages. Mushrooms add a nice texture and earthy flavor. Plant-based sausages can give you that same great taste without meat. Enjoy the same creamy goodness, no matter your choice! Want a lighter dish? You can cut back on the cream. Use less heavy cream to reduce calories but still keep it creamy. Another option is to use Greek yogurt instead of cream. This swap adds a nice tang and keeps your pasta smooth. You’ll still get that rich taste, but with a healthier twist. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Make sure to eat the leftovers within three days for the best taste. To freeze your creamy pasta, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy and rich. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. In the fridge, this dish can last about three to four days. If frozen, it can last for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or changes in texture. If you see mold or the pasta looks strange, it is best to throw it away. Keeping an eye on these signs helps ensure your meal stays safe and delicious. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and sausage as usual. Then, mix in the sauce but leave out the cheese. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, heat it up on the stove. Add the cheese and stir until melted. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Absolutely! Many kids love this creamy pasta. To make it less spicy, use mild sausage. You can also skip the Rotel or choose plain diced tomatoes. This way, kids can still enjoy the creamy goodness without too much heat. Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a dairy-free option. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try cashew cheese or dairy-free cheddar. Cream cheese can be swapped for a non-dairy cream cheese. These changes keep the dish creamy and tasty without dairy. This creamy sausage Rotel pasta is simple and tasty. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your needs. Remember to cook your pasta al dente and brown the sausage well. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spice it up more. This dish stores well and offers many ways to make it your own. Enjoy making and sharing this meal with your loved ones!

Creamy Rotel Sausage Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage and Rotel tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and heat for about a minute. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the can of Rotel (with juices) to the skillet. Add garlic powder and onion powder, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth. Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
  • Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sausage sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
  • Spoon the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

Serve in deep pasta bowls, topping with extra cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a vibrant look. Consider adding a slice of garlic bread on the side for a complete meal!
Keyword creamy, pasta, quick meal, sausage