Hearty Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Whipping up a mouthwatering rotel chicken spaghetti recipe doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Cheese lovers will instantly fall for this creamy comfort dish packed with bold flavors.

Southern kitchens have long cherished this simple yet satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

Spicy tomatoes and tender chicken merge perfectly with soft pasta strands, creating a delightful harmony of textures.

Families appreciate how effortlessly this casserole feeds a hungry crowd without requiring complicated techniques.

Pantry staples like canned rotel and shredded chicken make this dinner a weeknight lifesaver.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become your new go-to meal.

What Makes Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Delicious

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Rotel Chicken Spaghetti delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone around the table with its creamy texture and bold flavors.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Combine ingredients in one bowl, mix, and bake – this recipe transforms simple components into a delicious dinner with minimal prep work and clean-up.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, spicy kick from Rotel tomatoes, making it a perfect dish that caters to different taste preferences without complicated cooking techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable ingredients like pasta, canned soup, and chicken, creating a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Ingredients Required for Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides protein and substantial texture to the dish.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Spicy diced tomatoes that add zesty flavor and moisture to the recipe.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich and smooth sauce that binds all ingredients together.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall moisture and deepens the savory flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that boost the overall taste of the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a golden, bubbly topping that adds richness and visual appeal.

Cooking Steps for Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Explosion

• Cooked spaghetti
• Shredded chicken
• Rotel tomatoes
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until it’s perfectly blended, creating a mouthwatering mixture that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 3: Build Your Casserole Base

Transfer the mixed goodness into your prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly so every bite gets maximum flavor coverage.

Step 4: Crown With Cheesy Goodness

Generously rain down shredded cheese over the top, creating a golden blanket that’ll melt into crispy, gooey perfection.

Step 5: Bake To Bubbly Brilliance

Slide the dish into the oven and let it work magic for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a few minutes. Then dive into this creamy, spicy, cheesy comfort food that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips on Perfecting Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

• Use rotisserie chicken or quickly shred boiled chicken breasts for a time-saving shortcut.
• Swap regular Rotel for mild version if you prefer less heat, maintaining the dish's signature flavor.
• Add extra chicken broth if mixture seems too thick to keep the spaghetti moist and creamy during baking.
• Sneak in frozen mixed vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrients without changing the core recipe.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Flavor Variations in Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Rotel Pasta: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or use a homemade alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper for extra heat. Incorporate Mexican-style cheese blend and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Use cauliflower rice or spiralized cauliflower instead of spaghetti. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy, cheesy flavor profile of the original recipe.

Pairing Recommendations with Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

Shake up a refreshing margarita with lime juice, tequila, and a touch of salt to complement the spicy Rotel tomatoes and cut through the creamy chicken spaghetti.

Toss together a light salad with mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a cilantro-lime dressing to balance the rich, cheesy pasta dish.

Prepare a tangy cucumber slaw with red onions and a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm, creamy spaghetti.

Crack open a cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to enhance the Tex-Mex flavors and refresh the palate between bites of the hearty casserole.

How to Store Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Transfer cooled chicken spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne, rotini, or egg noodles. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is Rotel tomatoes necessary for this recipe?

Rotel tomatoes add a distinctive zesty flavor and spice. If unavailable, you can use diced tomatoes with green chilies or regular diced tomatoes with a dash of hot sauce.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty rotel chicken spaghetti delivers creamy comfort with zesty southwestern flair. Cheesy, spicy goodness combines tender chicken, pasta, and rotel tomatoes for a quick family-favorite meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) cooked, shredded chicken

Pasta and Base:

• 2 cups cooked spaghetti
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (diced)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer that allows the sauce to coat every strand of pasta and piece of chicken.
4. Generously top the pasta mixture with shredded cheese, creating a complete coverage that will melt into a rich, golden crust during baking.
5. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, bronzed topping that signals the dish is perfectly cooked.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier. Scoop and serve this comforting, flavor-packed meal while it’s still warm.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or hot Rotel tomatoes to match your spice preference.
• Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Use rotisserie chicken for faster preparation and added convenience without compromising flavor.
• Optional vegetable mix-ins like diced bell peppers or spinach can boost nutritional value and add extra texture to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg