If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and totally satisfying dish, this Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken, creamy sauce, and the perfect kick of spice from the Rotel tomatoes—oh, it’s the ultimate cozy meal! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving something delicious for dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Trust me, you’re going to love how it all comes together!
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Why You’ll Love Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about bringing comfort and flavor straight to your dinner table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to impress. Here’s why it’s a winner:
Versatile: You can easily adjust the spice level with more or less Rotel, and you can even add some veggies or swap out the chicken for ground turkey if you’re in the mood for something different.
Budget-Friendly: It uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for anything fancy, yet it’s bursting with flavor.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in a breeze, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Customizable: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra cheese on top for that cheesy goodness. You can also swap the spaghetti for another pasta if you prefer.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it to a group or just enjoying a cozy dinner, this dish is always a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
This dish is made with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, and it’s packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These cook up tender and juicy, giving the dish a wonderful texture.
Rotel Tomatoes (Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies): The star of the show, adding that perfect balance of spice and tang.
Spaghetti: The perfect pasta to soak up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds that irresistible cheesy layer that melts into the sauce.
Onion and Garlic: These add a wonderful depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Chicken Broth: Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and onions.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s jump into making this delicious chicken spaghetti:
Cook the Spaghetti: Start by boiling the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred it once it’s cool enough to handle.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet. Then, stir in the Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Mix everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the cheddar cheese and cook until it melts into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Mix in the Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta is well coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve it warm, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese if you like. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is a full meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dinner:
Fresh Salad: Pair it with a crisp, green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to help scoop up any leftover creamy sauce.
Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli or green beans would be the perfect complement to balance the richness of the pasta.
Side of Fruit: A fresh fruit salad could add a light, sweet contrast to the savory pasta.
Additional Tips
Here are some helpful tips to make this dish even better:
Make It Ahead: This dish keeps well in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Add More Spice: If you like more heat, add extra Rotel or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover chicken from another meal, this recipe is a great way to repurpose it.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to switch up the cheese—Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work wonderfully.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy.
Freezing Option: This dish freezes well! Just store it in a freezer-safe container and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little chicken broth to maintain the creamy texture.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat to prevent drying out.
Q4: Can I freeze Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel?
A4: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: If you want a little more heat, add extra Rotel, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños.
Q6: Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?
A6: Yes, ground chicken works great in this recipe! Just cook it through and break it apart as it browns.
Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A7: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a fun twist.
Q8: What can I serve with this dish?
A8: Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel pairs wonderfully with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Q9: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A9: Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and swap the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free alternative.
Q10: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to add in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost the veggie content.
Conclusion
Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is one of those dishes that never fails to deliver on flavor, comfort, and satisfaction. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with a bit of spice, making it perfect for cozy dinners, busy weeknights, or any occasion when you want something quick and delicious. Give it a try, and I bet it will become a go-to in your kitchen! Enjoy!
Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: undefined
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is a comforting, easy-to-make casserole featuring rotisserie chicken, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, cheese, and a kick of heat. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Spaghetti:
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded or chunked)
- 12 oz dry spaghetti
- 1 cup chicken stock (divided)
- 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken with herbs condensed soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or similar)
- 3 tablespoons cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Dried parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions while preparing the other ingredients.
- Debone the rotisserie chicken and add it to a large bowl. Pour over 1/4 cup chicken broth to moisten the chicken, then sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning (or enough to coat the chicken evenly).
- In a large bowl, make the sauce by combining the cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel, sour cream, garlic, 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, seasoning salt, and cracked pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Heat 3/4 cup of chicken stock in the microwave for 1 minute (or until warm) and pour into the sauce mixture. Whisk to combine.
- In a 9×13 casserole dish, add the drained spaghetti, seasoned chicken, sauce mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Use tongs to mix everything together, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the pasta and the chicken is distributed throughout.
- Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with dried parsley. Cover with foil (spraying with nonstick spray to prevent cheese from sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg