If you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and comforting dinner recipe that pleases the whole family, look no further than Rotel Chicken Spaghetti. This creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy pasta dish is a Southern favorite that has stood the test of time. It combines tender chicken, spaghetti noodles, a rich cheese sauce, and the bold flavor of Rotel tomatoes to create a meal that’s both hearty and irresistible.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Rotel Chicken Spaghetti—from its origins and key ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions, storage tips, variations, and serving ideas. Whether you’re new to this dish or a long-time fan, this guide will help you make the best Rotel Chicken Spaghetti every time.
What is Rotel Chicken Spaghetti?
Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a baked pasta casserole that blends cooked spaghetti noodles with shredded chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and Rotel tomatoes (a mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies). It’s often seasoned with spices and sometimes includes cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup to create a smooth, velvety texture.
This recipe originated in Southern kitchens, where casseroles reign supreme as weeknight dinner heroes. Known for being easy, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly, Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for family meals, potlucks, or even meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food – Creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and stretches to feed a crowd.
- Quick & Easy – Minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable – You can make it mild, spicy, or even low-carb.
- Great for Leftovers – Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Rotel Chicken Spaghetti:
- Chicken – Shredded cooked chicken breasts, thighs, or rotisserie chicken.
- Spaghetti noodles – Traditional spaghetti works best, but you can swap with other pasta.
- Rotel tomatoes – The star ingredient; adds zest, flavor, and mild heat.
- Cheese – Velveeta, cheddar, or a combination for that gooey texture.
- Cream soup – Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for creaminess.
- Broth – Chicken broth keeps the sauce smooth and flavorful.
- Onion & garlic – Adds depth of flavor.
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, paprika, or cayenne for extra spice.
How to Make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti (Step-by-Step)
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to prepare your casserole:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Boil or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
- For convenience, you can use rotisserie chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in a little butter or oil.
- Add cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, chicken broth, and Rotel tomatoes.
- Stir in Velveeta or shredded cheese until melted into a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and sauce together.
- Season with salt, pepper, and spices to taste.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with extra shredded cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions for freshness.
Tips for the Best Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
- Use fresh chicken broth – It enhances flavor.
- Don’t overcook pasta – Since it bakes again, slightly undercooked pasta is ideal.
- Adjust spice level – Choose mild Rotel for kids or hot Rotel for spice lovers.
- Add vegetables – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach add nutrition and flavor.
- Make it ahead – Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Variations of Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. Here are some tasty variations:
- Rotel Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta – Ultra creamy, nostalgic Southern-style casserole.
- Rotel Chicken Spaghetti with Cream Cheese – Adds richness and tang.
- Rotel Chicken Spaghetti without Soup – Make your own sauce with heavy cream, flour, and butter.
- Rotel Chicken Spaghetti with Bacon – Smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
- Spicy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti – Use Hot Rotel, pepper jack cheese, and cayenne pepper.
- Rotel Chicken Spaghetti in Crockpot – Cook sauce and pasta together in a slow cooker.
- Low-Carb Rotel Chicken Spaghetti – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
What to Serve with Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with sides makes it a complete meal:
- Garlic bread or Texas toast
- Side salad with ranch or Italian dressing
- Roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)
- Corn on the cob
- Iced tea or lemonade for a Southern touch
How to Store and Reheat Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Warm in oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave in portions.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
FAQs About Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
1. Can I make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
2. Is Velveeta necessary?
No, but it gives the classic Southern creamy texture. You can use cheddar, Colby Jack, or cream cheese instead.
3. Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or linguine work well, but spaghetti is the classic choice.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free condensed soup.
5. Can I add more protein?
Yes! Try adding bacon, sausage, or even shrimp for a twist.
Final Thoughts on Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy, Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is the answer. With its blend of tender chicken, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and rich cheese sauce, this Southern-inspired casserole is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Whether you keep it classic with Velveeta or customize it with extra vegetables, spice, or alternative cheeses, this dish is endlessly adaptable and always delicious. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you need a hearty make-ahead meal, Rotel Chicken Spaghetti deserves a spot in your recipe collection.