If you’re craving a dish that blends bold flavors with a luscious, velvety sauce, this Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender spaghetti drenched in a rich and tangy mix of cream cheese, juicy pork sausage, and those perfect little bursts of zesty Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. It’s comfort food that feels homemade yet surprisingly simple, with just the right amount of spice and creaminess to satisfy every bite. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the hearty sausage to the creamy cheeses, and of course, that tangy Rotel provides a fun pop of heat and acidity.
- 8-oz thin spaghetti: Perfectly sized pasta that holds the creamy sauce well without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 (16-oz) package pork sausage: Adds savory, meaty richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained): Brings a zesty, mildly spicy kick and a splash of vibrant color.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (cubed): Key ingredient for the silky, smooth texture in the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Enhances richness and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 2 tsp minced garlic: Delivers aromatic warmth that infuses the whole dish.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Contributes a subtle tang and creamy consistency.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously thick and dreamy.
- ¼ tsp onion powder: Adds gentle savory notes that complement the garlic and sausage.
- 1½ tsp dried parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal finish to the creamy sauce.
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty saltiness that rounds out every bite.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your thin spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once perfectly al dente, drain it well and set aside. Having the pasta ready before the sauce is key to making sure everything comes together quickly and smoothly in the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork sausage. Cook it, breaking it apart as it browns, until no pink remains. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce, as the sausage fat will carry so much savory goodness.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Add Butter
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasy sauce, then toss in the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, making sure the flavor infuses the butter perfectly.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, allowing their juices to mingle with the garlic butter and sausage. Add the cubed cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and stir gently until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency—take care not to let it boil. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese to add that lovely savory kick.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti directly into the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each strand in luscious flavor. Finishing with a sprinkle of dried parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness to the completed dish.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra parmesan or a pinch of freshly chopped parsley can brighten this dish visually and flavor-wise. If you love a little heat, a light dusting of red chili flakes is an excellent choice to enhance the natural spiciness from the Rotel.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to contrast the creamy richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls make fantastic companions, perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta Recipe in individual mini casserole dishes topped with a little extra grated cheese, then broil until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, layering it in a casserole with extra mozzarella for a baked pasta casserole transforms this straightforward dish into something special for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it just as tasty the next day or even better. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but keep in mind cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture upon thawing. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too, just cover and heat in short intervals while stirring frequently for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to try penne, rotini, or even shells to hold the sauce differently. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage or textured vegetable protein. The creamy component and Rotel still shine through, delivering plenty of flavor.
How spicy is the Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta Recipe?
The mild heat comes from the green chilies in the Rotel, offering a gentle kick that’s balanced by the creaminess. You can always adjust by choosing mild or hot Rotel varieties or adding more chili flakes if you prefer extra spice.
Can I prepare the creamy sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from separating?
Cook the sauce over low heat and avoid boiling after adding cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently until smooth and remove from heat promptly to maintain that perfect creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about this Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta Recipe that makes it a winner every single time. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and satisfies any craving for creamy, comforting pasta with a little southern twist. I promise once you try it, it’ll find a permanent spot in your recipe lineup. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every buttery, cheesy, zesty bite!
Print
Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and flavorful creamy sausage Rotel pasta dish combining spicy diced tomatoes and green chilies with tender pork sausage and a luscious cream cheese sauce, perfectly tossed with thin spaghetti for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz thin spaghetti
Sauce
- 1 (16-oz) package pork sausage
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, cubed
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp dried parsley
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare sausage: While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink. Drain off the excess fat.
- Sauté garlic and combine sauce ingredients: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in undrained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, cream cheese cubes, sour cream, heavy cream, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently just until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling.
- Finish sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy sausage Rotel sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle dried parsley over the dish before serving for a touch of color and flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer less heat, use mild diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
- Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding cream cheese to prevent separation.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
