Turn up the heat on comfort food with this spicy shells and cheese recipe! Creamy Velveeta and a kick of spice make it a bold twist on a classic favorite.
Summer is here, school's out, and I'm trying to settle into a new house-so yes, life is officially chaos.
When things get hectic (read: every single day right now), quick and easy meals become my best friend.
One of our tried-and-true favorites? Velveeta Shells and Cheese. It's creamy, comforting, and always a hit.
This time, I gave it a spicy twist that takes the flavor up a notch without adding any extra fuss.
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Spicy Velveeta Shells and Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box Velveeta Shells and Cheese 12 ounce
- 10 ounce Hot Rotel drained
Instructions
- Boil 6 cups water.
- Stir in Shell macaroni.
- Boil 10 to 12 minutes or to desired tenderness, stirring occasionally.
- DRAIN: Do not rinse. Return to pan.
- Cut off top edge of Velveeta Cheese Sauce Pouch.
- Squeeze Cheese Sauce over hot macaroni.
- Pour in desired amount of Rotel.
- Stir and Serve.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat the pasta shells in the microwave using 30-second intervals.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is so easy to make and absolutely delish!
This spicy mac and cheese is a great side dish for grilled steak or a quick lunch for one. However you make it, you'll be glad you did.
You can also adjust the spice levels by using different Rotel flavors. If you like a milder spice, try the Rotel Mild.
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Patricia Cook
What a great post, Katie!! This is a wonderful way to make shells and cheese more grown-up. And your pics are pretty fab too!!
Katie
Thanks so much Patricia!
Sarah @ Alderberry Hill
Oh how yummy, this looks amazing...Thanks for this post, I forgot how much I like Velveeta!
Katie
Thanks Sarah! You can never go wrong with Velveeta! ; )
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap
Yum! We are all mac n cheese lovers in this house and that looks so good!
Katie
Mac and cheese is a must with my kids... can't complain, it's so easy! : )
Cheryl
YUM!!! Seriously...we eat Velveeta at least once a week here and adding Rotel is just genius! Thanks for the great idea!
bonnie@uncommon designs
What a great twist on a classic!
Morena
My kids would love this!
Amy Anderson
This is brilliant - I love Rotel tomatoes!
Tonia@thegunnysack
My kids love Velveeta Mac 'N Cheese! My son puts crushed saltine crackers on his.
Melissa Cantrell
I make this too; however, I don't drain the Rotel & I slice Beef Smoked Sausage. It's a complete meal & a family favorite.
Melanie
Made it and loved it. Thank you for the idea. Delicious and easy week night side.
marcia
This Spicy Velveeta Pasta recipe is ideal for busy days! It is ready in just 15 minutes and offers an exquisite, spicy taste with Hot Rotel. A complete comfort food with a creamy texture and light bitterness. It would be great for lunch or meat dishes. You can adjust the bitterness level according to your taste buds!