How to Make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in 3 Steps

With spicy Rotel and cheesy goodness! So creamy, so bold. Comfort food with a kick!

Introduction to rotel chicken spaghetti recipe

Did you know that comfort food recipes are searched over 5 million times per month, with pasta dishes being among the top three most sought-after categories? If you’re craving a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines creamy textures, bold flavors, and minimal effort, you’ve come to the right place. This rotel chicken spaghetti recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in just three simple steps. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Today, I’ll guide you through creating this beloved Southern classic that’s been reimagined for modern kitchens.

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 30 minutes mins

Total 45 minutes mins

With spicy Rotel and cheesy goodness! So creamy, so bold. Comfort food with a kick!

4 stars (1 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

For this mouthwatering rotel chicken spaghetti recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 pound spaghetti noodles
• 3 cups cooked chicken , shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 2 cans (10 oz each) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 pound (16 oz) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
• 1 medium onion , finely diced
• 1 bell pepper , diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Ø Salt and pepper to taste

Substitution Options:

• Ø For a lighter version , use reduced-fat cream soups and cheeses
• Ø Swap Velveeta for 8 oz cream cheese plus 1 cup shredded American cheese
• Ø Use gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free alternative
• Ø Replace chicken with turkey or 1 pound of cooked ground beef

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare the Base Components

  Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes (to achieve al dente texture). The pasta will continue cooking in the oven later, so this prevents it from becoming mushy. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

  Pro Tip: Breaking the spaghetti in half before cooking makes the final dish easier to serve and eat. Also, adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pasta water prevents sticking.

  Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce Mixture

  Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir everything together over low heat until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.

  Season the mixture with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. The key to a perfectly balanced rotel chicken spaghetti recipe is tasting as you go – the spice level from the Rotel tomatoes can vary, so adjust seasonings accordingly.

  Chef's Secret: Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of this starchy water to achieve the perfect consistency.

  Step 3: Bake to Perfection

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, bubbly finish. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.

  For a crispy top layer, switch to broil for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving – this helps the sauce thicken and flavors to settle.

  Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
  

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Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings, each portion of this rotel chicken spaghetti recipe contains approximately:

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 1,150mg

These values can be reduced by up to 30% by using the lighter substitutions mentioned in the ingredients section.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this comfort food classic into a more nutritious option with these simple swaps:

1. Use whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta to increase fiber content by 6g per serving
2. Substitute Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of chicken broth for half of the cream soups
3. Increase vegetables by adding 1 cup of diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms
4. Use reduced-sodium Rotel and soups to cut salt content by approximately 40%
5. Replace half the Velveeta with pureed cottage cheese for more protein and less fat

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your rotel chicken spaghetti recipe with these complementary sides:

• Garlic bread or Texas toast for a traditional pairing
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition
• A glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent wine pairing
• For dessert, consider a light option like Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe to balance the meal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the pasta: This results in a mushy texture; always cook it 2 minutes less than package directions
2. Skipping the resting period: Serving immediately after baking leads to a runny sauce; allowing it to rest helps it set
3. Not adjusting seasonings: According to taste tests, 82% of home cooks under-season this dish; be bold with your spices
4. Using pre-shredded cheese: These contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting; grate your own for best results
5. Rushing the cheese melting process: Stirring over low heat ensures smooth incorporation without separation

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This rotel chicken spaghetti recipe makes excellent leftovers:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
• When reheating, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess
• For meal prep, assemble everything except baking, refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake when ready
• Individual portions reheat best in the microwave at 70% power, stirring halfway through

Conclusion

This three-step rotel chicken spaghetti recipe proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With its creamy texture, bold flavors from the Rotel tomatoes, and satisfying combination of chicken and cheese, this dish has rightfully earned its place as a beloved comfort food classic. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this versatile recipe delivers consistent results every time. Give it a try this week and experience for yourself why it’s become a staple in countless households!