Rotel Chicken Spaghetti (Easy Recipe)

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Craving a creamy, comforting meal with a bit of spice and plenty of cheese? Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is the dish for you. This classic Southern favorite blends tender chicken, pasta, and tomatoes with green chilies in a velvety, cheesy sauce. It’s simple to prepare, feeds a crowd, and works well for any occasion—busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.

What Makes Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Special

This recipe stands out for its rich combination of flavors and textures. The tomatoes with chilies bring a gentle heat, balancing the smooth creaminess of the sauce. Rotisserie chicken offers convenience, while Velveeta or cheddar melts into irresistibly gooey pockets. It’s the kind of comfort food you turn to when you want a filling meal with minimal fuss—one that doesn’t break the bank, either.

For households with picky eaters, this casserole is a lifesaver. It sneaks in a few vegetables, brings a punch of flavor, and rarely leaves behind leftovers. Best of all, you can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need and possible substitutions:

• Spaghetti (12 ounces): You can use any pasta; spaghetti or linguine are classic, but penne and rotini also work.
• Cooked Chicken (3 cups): Shredded rotisserie saves time, but you can use poached, grilled, or leftover roasted chicken. Thighs typically stay juicier than breasts.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each): Cream of chicken or celery soup works just as well. Homemade condensed soup is an option if you avoid processed foods.
• Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 10 ounces): Choose mild, original, or hot to match your spice preference.
• Chicken Broth (1 cup): Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
• Velveeta Cheese (12 ounces, cubed): Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are tasty substitutes. Grate fresh for better melting.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Butter (optional, for sautéing): Adds extra richness if you cook chicken from scratch.
• Optional Mix-ins: Diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, or even cooked bacon for more layers of flavor.

How to Make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

This casserole comes together with basic kitchen tools and steps. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook just until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.

Tip: Slightly undercooked pasta soaks up the sauce as it bakes, delivering the perfect texture.

2. Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using rotisserie or leftover chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Preparing chicken from scratch? Season with salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of garlic powder. Pan-fry in a bit of butter for added flavor until just cooked through. Let cool, then shred.

3. Mix the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain)
• 1 cup chicken broth

Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Combine Ingredients

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, add:

• Cooked spaghetti
• Shredded chicken

Pour the sauce over the pasta and chicken. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Scatter cubed Velveeta or your chosen cheese on top.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving suggestion: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top for color and fresh flavor.

Tips for the Best Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

• Al Dente Pasta: Avoid mushy noodles by undercooking them before baking.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: Use a generous amount to enhance flavor from the start.
• Don’t Boil Chicken: Grilling or pan-frying with seasoning keeps the meat juicy and adds more flavor.
• Mix-Ins for Variety: Stir in sautéed onions, bell peppers, diced jalapeños, or a handful of frozen corn before baking.
• Cheese Choices: Blend different cheeses for more flavor complexity—try half Velveeta and half sharp cheddar.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole a day before, wrap tightly, and refrigerate. You may need to add 5 extra minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.
• Rescue Overcooked Pasta: Rinsing with cold water can stop the cooking process if your noodles get too soft.

Variations and Customizations

Chicken spaghetti is extremely adaptable. Here are a few creative spins:

• Swap in Turkey: Perfect for post-holiday leftovers.
• Go Meatless: Leave out the chicken and add roasted mushrooms or beans for a vegetarian option.
• Increase the Heat: Use hot Rotel and add diced jalapeños, or stir in pepper Jack cheese for a spicier casserole.
• Alternative Cheeses: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend for a fresh flavor profile.
• Include “Hidden” Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or carrots for bonus nutrition without overpowering the dish.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing

Keep enjoying your Rotel Chicken Spaghetti for several meals:

Storage

• Fridge: Cool leftovers completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Let the casserole cool, wrap well with both plastic wrap and foil, and freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Oven: To reheat a larger amount, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
• Frozen Casserole: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as above.

Tip: If the casserole appears dry, stir in a splash of chicken broth, milk, or a spoonful of cream before reheating.

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti: FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup alternative.

Is there a substitute for Rotel tomatoes?

Chopped canned tomatoes with a small can of green chilies works well, or use fresh if preferred.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely—double everything and use two baking dishes, or one extra-large roasting pan.

What sides work best?

This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread.

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti has all the hallmarks of a family favorite—creamy, cheesy, a touch spicy, and endlessly customizable. With straightforward steps and pantry-friendly staples, it’s an ideal choice for busy nights or feeding a group. Whether you keep it classic or try new variations, you’ll find yourself reaching for this easy recipe time and again.