Few dishes deliver the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy quite like Rotel Chicken Spaghetti. This beloved casserole combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and the signature kick of Rotel tomatoes for a meal that’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a potluck, or craving a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ Why Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a Southern favorite
✔️ Step-by-step recipe (stovetop & baked versions)
✔️ Secret tips for the best flavor and texture
✔️ Creative variations (slow cooker, spicy, lightened-up)
✔️ Serving suggestions and storage tips
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
✅ Bold, Zesty Flavor – Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes + green chiles) add the perfect kick.
✅ Creamy & Cheesy – A velvety sauce made with Velveeta or cheddar for ultimate comfort.
✅ Easy to Make Ahead – Great for meal prep, freezer meals, or feeding a crowd.
✅ Versatile – Swap proteins, pasta, or spice levels to suit your taste.
Classic Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients *(Serves 6-8)*
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken into thirds (or rotini, penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained (mild or original for heat)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or mushroom soup)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (or 2 cups shredded cheddar for a firmer texture)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin or taco seasoning (optional, for Tex-Mex flair)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Toppings: Chopped cilantro, jalapeños, extra cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente (about 8 mins). Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté Veggies (Optional)
- In a large skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in oil until soft (3-4 mins).
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, combine Rotel, cream of chicken soup, broth, and Velveeta.
- Stir over low heat until cheese melts into a smooth sauce (5 mins).
- Mix in sour cream, chicken, and spices.
4️⃣ Combine & Bake (Optional)
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce.
- (For baked version) Transfer to a greased 9×13 dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20 mins until bubbly.
5️⃣ Serve!
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.
Recipe Variations
🔥 Extra Spicy – Use hot Rotel, add cayenne or diced jalapeños.
🍗 Turkey or Beef – Swap chicken for ground turkey or taco-seasoned beef.
🌿 Lightened-Up – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, whole wheat pasta, and low-fat cheese.
🍝 Slow Cooker Method – Mix all ingredients (uncooked pasta + extra broth) and cook on LOW 3-4 hrs.
Pro Tips for the Best Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
✔ Don’t Overcook Pasta – It will soften further in the sauce.
✔ Broil for Crispy Top – If baking, broil 2-3 mins for a golden crust.
✔ Freezes Well – Store unbaked in foil pans for easy freezer meals.
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread or cornbread
- Simple green salad with ranch
- Roasted veggies (zucchini, broccoli)
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating).
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or bake at 350°F until warm.
Final Thoughts
Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy nights or potlucks!