You know that feeling when you’re standing in front of the fridge, staring into the abyss, hoping that dinner inspiration will just hit you? That was me on a random Tuesday night. My kids were circling the kitchen like little food critics, and my husband was about two minutes away from ordering pizza. But I was determined—determined to make something quick, delicious, and satisfying without a trip to the grocery store.
As I rummaged through my pantry, my eyes landed on a can of Rotel tomatoes, a box of spaghetti, and a pack of chicken breasts in the fridge. That’s when it hit me—Rotel Chicken Spaghetti! I had heard of chicken spaghetti before, but I wanted something with a little more flavor, a little more kick. Something creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible.
So, I got to work, throwing together ingredients like a mad scientist in the lab. What I ended up with was nothing short of magic—a creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and oh-so-comforting dish that had everyone at the table going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). And just like that, this Rotel Chicken Pasta became a staple in our home. Now, anytime I need a quick and easy dinner that pleases the whole family, I whip up this chicken Rotel pasta, and it never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. Quick and Easy to Make
We’ve all been there—long day, zero energy, and the last thing you want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen. This easy chicken spaghetti recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy nights.
2. Packed with Flavor
This isn’t your average spaghetti. The Rotel tomatoes add just the right amount of spice and tang, while the creamy, cheesy sauce balances everything out. Each bite is loaded with bold, comforting flavors that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
3. Kid-Approved
If you have picky eaters at home, trust me—this is the dish that will convert them. The creamy texture, the cheesy goodness, and the mild kick from the Rotel make it a dish even the littlest critics will love.
4. Great for Leftovers
Ever have one of those meals that somehow tastes even better the next day? This is one of them. The flavors meld together overnight, making your leftovers just as delicious (if not more so) than the fresh batch.
5. Easily Customizable
Want to make it spicier? Add some jalapeños. Need more protein? Toss in some bacon or shrimp. Trying to sneak in some veggies? Throw in some bell peppers or mushrooms. This recipe is flexible enough to work with whatever you have on hand.
6. Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a potluck, or just meal-prepping for the week, this dish will always be a hit. It’s comfort food at its finest, and trust me—there won’t be leftovers for long.
Ingredients for the Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cooking Equipment:
- Large pot
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Baking dish (optional, if you want to bake it for extra cheesiness)
Cooking Instructions for the Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add the Chicken: Toss in the shredded chicken and mix well. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors can blend together.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing everything together until the noodles are fully coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Final Touch: If you want an extra cheesy, baked version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy! Garnish with chopped parsley or a little extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in!
Notes
1. Make It in the Crock Pot
Short on time? You can turn this into a Rotel chicken crock pot recipe by adding everything (except the spaghetti) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, then stir in cooked spaghetti before serving.
2. Use Different Cheeses
Cheddar is classic, but you can switch it up with Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or even Velveeta for extra creaminess.
3. Make It Healthier
Swap out regular spaghetti for whole wheat or a veggie-based pasta. You can also use low-fat cream soups and cheese to lighten things up.
4. Spice It Up
If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or an extra can of hot Rotel. A dash of hot sauce never hurts either!
5. Add Some Veggies
Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach would be great additions to sneak in some extra nutrition without compromising flavor.
6. Double the Batch
This dish freezes beautifully, so make an extra batch and store it in an airtight container for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking.
Macronutrients Per Serving
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~850mg
Pro Tips for the Recipe
1. Shred Chicken the Easy Way
If you have a stand mixer or hand mixer, use it to shred your cooked chicken in seconds. Just toss the warm chicken breasts into the bowl, turn the mixer on low, and watch the magic happen.
2. Make It Extra Creamy
For an ultra-rich and creamy sauce, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream before adding the spaghetti. It takes the texture to a whole new level!
3. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
Short on time? Grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it up. It cuts down on prep time and adds extra flavor.
4. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Since the spaghetti will continue to cook a little when mixed with the sauce, make sure to cook it just until al dente to avoid mushy noodles.
5. Let It Rest Before Serving
Give the dish a few minutes to sit after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken up and cling to the pasta, making every bite even more flavorful.
Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Q&A – Spilling the Noodles!
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
A side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pairs perfectly with this creamy dish. If you want something hearty, try serving it with cornbread!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, add an extra can of hot Rotel, a few dashes of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
What Other Cheese Can I Use?
Cheddar is classic, but you can swap it out for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even Velveeta for an extra creamy texture.
