Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with Rotel is the kind of dish that instantly brings comfort, joy, and a bit of spice to your kitchen. I first stumbled upon it years ago when I was looking to stretch some pantry staples into a hearty family meal. One bite in and I was hooked. It’s creamy, cheesy, just the right amount of spicy, and it hits all the right notes of what I’d call a “hug-in-a-bowl” meal.
This recipe fits perfectly into your rotation of easy weeknight dinners. It’s the one I turn to when I want something that feels indulgent but doesn’t take a culinary degree to pull off. It’s also ideal for potlucks, meal prep, or even to bring to a friend who needs a little homemade love.
The best part? You can make the entire dish with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or freezer. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to fit your taste or what you have on hand. Whether you’re new to this Southern classic or it’s already part of your dinner routine, this version is sure to become a regular.
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Why This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with Rotel Works
There’s a reason this recipe has stood the test of time and why it continues to trend online and in family kitchens across America. The combination of creamy sauce, tender shredded chicken, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and melty cheese is simply irresistible. It’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
What sets this version apart? For starters, I use a blend of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup to create a rich, layered base. The addition of Velveeta (yes, I said it!) makes it ultra-smooth and satisfying. The Rotel tomatoes add that Tex-Mex edge, tangy and spicy without overpowering the dish.
I also love that you can prepare this creamy chicken spaghetti in advance and even freeze it. Bake it fresh, or assemble it the night before for a no-fuss dinner after a long day.
Customize It Your Way
- Spice it up: Use hot Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños.
- Lighten it up: Substitute Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese for a portion of the soup mixture.
- Go gluten-free: Swap the pasta for a gluten-free version and double-check your canned soup options.
- Add veggies: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for a nutrition boost.
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with Rotel is the ultimate one-dish wonder satisfying, flexible, and always a hit at the table.
Recipe Card
Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with Rotel
6
servings15
minutes30
minutes400
kcalThis chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel is a creamy, cheesy comfort meal bursting with bold flavors. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks!
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Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter or oil (for greasing the casserole dish)
Directions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix the Rotel, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and half the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined. - Combine:
Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the bowl. Mix thoroughly, adding chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick. - Assemble:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or oil. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread evenly. - Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. - Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. - Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Rotisserie Shortcut: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
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Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
- Season Generously: Adjust salt, pepper, and spices to suit your taste. Rotel adds a zesty kick, but extra paprika or cayenne can up the heat.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the spaghetti since it will cook further in the oven.
- Shred Cheese Fresh: For the best melt, shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded.
- Melt the Cheese Gently: When combining Velveeta and soup on the stove, use medium-low heat and stir regularly. This helps prevent graininess and ensures a silky sauce that blends beautifully with the pasta.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Add chicken broth or milk if the mixture feels too thick.
- Broil for Crispiness: Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to get a golden, crispy cheese topping.
Fun Twists on Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
1. Spicy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Jalapeños
If you like a little heat, stir in a few tablespoons of diced pickled jalapeños or fresh green chilies along with the Rotel. You can even use the Hot Rotel version for extra kick. This is my go-to when I’m cooking for spice lovers.
2. Low Carb Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Swap the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to make this dish lower in carbs. You’ll still get the creamy, cheesy base without the pasta. It’s perfect if you’re doing keto or cutting carbs during the week.
3. Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli
Add in a cup or two of lightly steamed broccoli florets before baking. It’s a great way to sneak in some green veggies, and broccoli pairs beautifully with cheese and chicken. Kids often don’t mind when it’s coated in cheesy goodness.
4. Creamy Turkey Spaghetti with Rotel
No chicken on hand? Leftover turkey works beautifully in this dish. Especially around the holidays, this version is an excellent way to repurpose extra roasted turkey with a fun Tex-Mex twist.
FAQs
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or even macaroni work well in this recipe.
Rotel adds unique zest, but you can substitute it with diced tomatoes and green chilies if needed.
You’re Gonna Love This
There’s a reason this creamy chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel is on repeat in my kitchen. It’s creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and so easy to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, craving something cozy, or meal prepping for the week, this dish just delivers.
I love that you can make it your own, whether you’re adding heat, sneaking in veggies, or turning it into a one-pot wonder. If you’ve been looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort food that comes together without fuss, this is it.
If you loved this dish, check out our Tim Walz Hot Dish Recipe for another hearty casserole bursting with flavor!
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