Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a fantastic dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy tomatoes in a comforting pasta bake. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture this: you come home, tired after a long day, and in just a little over thirty minutes, you can have a warm, cheesy casserole on the table. This recipe is not just quick; it also uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or needing a satisfying meal to bring to a potluck, Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is your go-to!
Jump to:
- What is Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
- Why You’ll Love This Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
- Ingredients
- How to Make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
- Preheat and Boil Spaghetti
- Heat the Cheesy Mixture
- Combine Chicken and Spaghetti
- Transfer and Bake
- Serving Suggestions
- Tips for Success
- Variations
- FAQs
- More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:
- 📖 Recipe Card
What is Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that marries the convenience of canned ingredients with the wholesome goodness of shredded chicken. It features a delightful combination of Rotel’s signature diced tomatoes and green chilies, creamy soups, and two types of cheese, creating a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and share with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
This Rotel Chicken Spaghetti recipe stands out for its simplicity and delicious taste. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, as it can be prepared quickly and baked to perfection. The flavor profile, with both spiciness and creaminess, accommodates various tastes, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that can be prepared in one pot, minimizing cleanup time afterwards?
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 1 can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (10-ounce can)
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounce cans)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 ounces Velveeta Original, cubed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds chicken breast, seasoned, cooked, and shredded
How to Make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
Preheat and Boil Spaghetti
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Then, grab a large pot and boil the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. If you prefer shorter noodles, break them in half before adding to the pot. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Heat the Cheesy Mixture
In that same large pot, combine the Rotel, cream of mushroom soups, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, cubed Velveeta, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium to medium-high heat while stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and blend together perfectly. Once everything is melted and combined, turn off the heat and let it cool just a bit.
Combine Chicken and Spaghetti
Next, gently stir the shredded cooked chicken breast into the cheesy mixture. It’s important to fold it in so that the chicken gets covered in that wonderful cheesy goodness. Gradually add the cooked spaghetti, mixing in a little at a time to ensure even blending of flavors. You want every bite to have that delicious combination.
Transfer and Bake
Now it’s time for the important part! Pour the entire mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. Top it off by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese on. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve, pair your Rotel Chicken Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce and a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. This delightful combination creates a fulfilling meal that excites the taste buds.
Tips for Success
To elevate the flavor of your Rotel Chicken Spaghetti, make sure to season your chicken well before cooking. Adding a pinch of your favorite spices can really enhance the final taste. You can also customize the spice level by choosing a spicier version of Rotel if your taste buds crave a little kick. Experimenting with the spice can turn this dish into a personal favorite!
Variations
Feel free to explore different variations of Rotel Chicken Spaghetti! Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers and corn can add some nice textures and flavors. Another fun option is to swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy twist. You could also use penne or rotini in place of spaghetti for a fun shape change that kids might enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow extra time for baking since it will be cold.
2. Can I freeze Rotel Chicken Spaghetti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. What can I substitute for Velveeta in this recipe?
For a more natural cheese option, cream cheese or a similar creamy cheese blend works well as a substitute.
4. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy and cheesy flavors generally appeal to kids, though you might want to adjust the spice level based on their preferences.
5. How can I spice up my Rotel Chicken Spaghetti?
If you love some heat, add jalapeños or use a spicy Rotel version. Serving with hot sauce on the side can also add a nice kick!
This Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is not only a simple dish to whip up, but it also serves as a comforting meal that the whole family will love. With its creamy texture, spicy notes, and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a staple in your household. Enjoy the delightful layers of flavor that this dish brings, ensuring you’ll always have a satisfying meal ready when you need it!
More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:
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Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
This dish combines the savory goodness of shredded chicken and creamy cheese with a hint of spice from diced tomatoes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. It’s easy, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 1 can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (10-ounce can)
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounce cans)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 ounces Velveeta Original, cubed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds chicken breast, seasoned, cooked, and shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC).
- Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- Combine Rotel, cream of mushroom soups, 1 cup cheddar, Velveeta, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in the pot over medium heat until melted.
- Stir in shredded chicken, then gradually mix in spaghetti.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with remaining cheddar.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
Season chicken well before cooking for enhanced flavor.
Customize spice level with a spicier Rotel or add jalapeños.
Consider freezing the unbaked casserole for future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 90