Easy Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta in a Velvety Cream Sauce Recipe

Whipping up a delectable sausage rotel pasta promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly into a creamy, irresistible dish that screams satisfaction.

Spicy sausage chunks dance through melted cheese and zesty tomatoes, creating bold flavor profiles.

Pasta lovers will appreciate this quick and straightforward meal that comes together in minutes.

Tangy rotel tomatoes provide unexpected depth, while rich cream sauce coats each noodle perfectly.

Simple pantry staples transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

What Makes Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta In A Velvety Cream Sauce So Satisfying

• Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a meal that comes together faster than you can say delicious, perfect for those nights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Customize with Ease: Transform this recipe by swapping sausage types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra veggies to make it uniquely yours without complicated cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: Pack a punch of zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies that deliver a kick of excitement, making this pasta a guaranteed hit at family dinners or casual gatherings.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-pan method that combines all ingredients seamlessly, reducing dishes and maximizing flavor without extra work.

What Goes In Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta In A Velvety Cream Sauce

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish that provides a hearty base for the creamy sauce.
• Ground Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds richness and depth to the pasta dish.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: A zesty ingredient that brings spice and tanginess to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety sauce for the pasta.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy texture and sharp, savory flavors to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and provides a smooth cooking medium.
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

How To Prepare Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta In A Velvety Cream Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted water until perfectly tender. Scoop out some pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance and the vegetables turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Introduce ground sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon while cooking until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink.

Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Rotel diced tomatoes
• Green chilies
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let everything simmer and mingle for a few minutes, allowing the spices to wake up and dance.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir gently and let the mixture bubble softly for about 5 minutes, creating a luxurious base.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheeses melt completely, transforming the sauce into a velvety dream.

Step 7: Combine and Coat

Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates and crown with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately while the pasta is steaming hot and the sauce is gloriously creamy.

Best Cooking Tips For Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta In A Velvety Cream Sauce

• Select high-quality smoked sausage for richer flavor and better texture in the dish.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to control sauce consistency and help ingredients bind smoothly.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for superior melting and more authentic creamy texture.
• Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes based on personal heat preference.
• Consider low-fat alternatives like half-and-half or Greek yogurt if watching calorie intake without sacrificing creaminess.

Ways To Customize Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta In A Velvety Cream Sauce

• Spicy Southwest Sausage Pasta: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder and add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Mix in black beans and corn for a robust southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Sausage Pasta: Swap ground sausage for Italian sausage, incorporate fresh basil and oregano. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and add roasted red peppers for Mediterranean flair.
• Creamy Pesto Sausage Pasta: Replace Rotel tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in prepared basil pesto during the sauce stage and use mozzarella cheese for a more herbal, Italian-inspired version.
• Smoky Bacon Sausage Pasta: Crisp up chopped bacon and mix with sausage during cooking.

Perfect Pairings For Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta In A Velvety Cream Sauce

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty Red Wine: Choose a bold, spicy red like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the sausage's richness and cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Complement with Crisp Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heavy, creamy texture and add fresh, bright notes to the meal.
• Match with Garlic Bread Crunch: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the velvety sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft pasta.
• Refresh with Citrus-Infused Beverage: Prepare a lemon-lime sparkling water or a light beer to cleanse the palate and offset the dish's rich, spicy flavors.

How To Save Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta In A Velvety Cream Sauce

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing as the cream sauce might separate upon thawing.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently and consistently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Common Questions About Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta In A Velvety Cream Sauce

• What ingredients give this pasta its unique flavor?

The combination of ground sausage, Rotel tomatoes, green chilies, smoked paprika, and two types of cheese create a bold, spicy, and creamy taste profile that makes this dish stand out.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or even chicken for the sausage while maintaining a similar flavor and texture in the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, but you can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot Rotel and controlling the amount of green chilies added.

Savory Sausage Rotel Pasta in a Velvety Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Rotel sausage pasta delivers a symphony of spicy, creamy comfort perfect for weeknight dinners. Cheese-laden and rich, this Southern-inspired dish promises a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Vegetables, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in boiling water following package guidelines until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully preserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Introduce ground sausage into the skillet, methodically crumbling meat while browning completely. Eliminate excess grease to prevent sauce from becoming oily.
4. Incorporate Rotel tomatoes, green chilies, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Allow ingredients to meld together for 2-3 minutes, intensifying overall flavor profile.
5. Reduce cooking temperature to low. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the mixture, creating a luxurious base. Gently simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring intermittently.
6. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, continuously stirring until completely dissolved and sauce reaches a silky consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
7. Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta strand becomes thoroughly coated. If sauce appears too dense, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired texture.
8. Transfer to serving dishes immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or hot Rotel tomatoes to match your spice preference.
• Swap ground sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising flavor complexity.
• Reserve pasta water carefully as the starchy liquid helps create a smoother, silkier sauce consistency when needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg