Craving a quick, mouth-watering meal that'll have your family begging for seconds? Look no further! This irresistible Skillet Rotini, Tomatoes, and Cheese is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero. In just 20 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a cheesy, flavor-packed dish that's guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned chef looking for a delicious shortcut, this recipe is your ticket to an easy, satisfying meal that combines the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a one-pan wonder.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large skillet or deep saucepan with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, drain the can of diced tomatoes, reserving the liquid if desired for added moisture.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain thoroughly in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add the cooked pasta back into the pan.
- Add diced tomatoes to the pasta and stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the pasta and tomato mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese begins to melt and coat the pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow cheese to fully melt and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - this is your first chance to build flavor from the ground up.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when you add the other ingredients.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Keep the heat at medium when adding cheese to prevent scorching and ensure smooth melting.
- Let the dish rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the cheese to fully coat the pasta.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- If the dish seems dry, reserve a little pasta water to help create a silkier sauce.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to make the recipe your own - try adding some sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 363kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
