Name: Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Butter; 1 Medium Onion, diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 10.5 ounces Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can); 10.5 ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can); 10 ounces Rotel (1 can); 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast, chopped; 16 ounces Cooked Spaghetti; 1 cup Pasta Water (reserved from spaghetti cooking); 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded

If you are craving a dish that combines creamy comfort with a delightful kick of flavor, then the Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This casserole blends tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a luscious cheesy sauce dotted with vibrant Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, creating one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug. It’s straightforward to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, making it a family-friendly favorite that always disappears fast from the table. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned pro, this recipe effortlessly elevates your dinner game with simple ingredients and unbeatable taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear glass bowl filled with yellow cooked noodles placed at the back left. Next to it on the right is a smaller clear glass bowl with light-colored cooked chicken pieces. In front of the noodle bowl, there are three opened cans: one with yellow cheese sauce, another with cream of mushroom soup, and the last with diced tomatoes in red sauce. To the right of the cans is a small white bowl filled with shredded orange cheese. In front of everything, a small clear glass bowl holds finely minced garlic. The background is plain light grey. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in the Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s adding richness, texture, or a pop of flavor. These familiar pantry staples come together beautifully to create a creamy, cheesy comfort meal that’s full of heart and soul.

Butter: melts down to create a flavorful base for sautéing your onion and garlic, enhancing overall depth.
Medium Onion, diced: adds subtle sweetness and texture that balances the creamy elements perfectly.
Garlic, minced: infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that elevates every bite.
Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can): brings hearty creaminess and a gentle savory note that’s essential to the sauce.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): contributes earthiness and richness for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Rotel (1 can): adds a zesty tomato and green chili kick that brightens the casserole and makes it distinctive.
Cooked Chicken Breast, chopped: provides the satisfying protein that makes this a filling main dish.
Cooked Spaghetti: the pasta base that soaks up all the luscious sauce, making each forkful irresistible.
Pasta Water: reserved pasta cooking water helps loosen the sauce for the perfect consistency.
Cheddar Cheese, shredded: melts over the top to form a golden, gooey, crave-worthy crust.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot, then add diced onion and cook until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the entire casserole. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This brief cooking releases the garlic’s aromatic oils without burning it, keeping the flavor fresh and vibrant.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

Next, stir in the cans of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup, the can of Rotel, chopped chicken, and half of the reserved pasta cooking water. This mixture creates the heart of your sauce – rich, creamy, with a perfect kick of spice and texture. The pasta water adds just enough looseness to the sauce so it will coat your spaghetti beautifully without drying out during baking.

Step 3: Combine with Spaghetti

Add your cooked spaghetti directly into the pot and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. If the sauce feels a bit thick, gently stir in more pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a luscious consistency that clings to the noodles. This is where the magic happens – a creamy dance of flavors and textures all mingling perfectly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the combined mixture into a 13×9 casserole dish, then top generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese has melted into a golden, bubbly topping. This final step melds all the ingredients together into one irresistible comfort food experience.

How to Serve Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the hot casserole. A little green on top brings a lovely brightness that complements the creamy base and spicy Rotel beautifully, inviting appetites to dive right in.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands as a hearty main dish on its own, but if you fancy some sides, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or simple steamed veggies add a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy spaghetti. Light, crunchy side dishes balance the meal making each bite more enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress up your Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, try serving it in individual ramekins or even bake it in a cast iron skillet for a rustic touch. You could also swap spaghetti for lasagna noodles to layer it like a lasagna for a new take that’s just as delicious and impressive on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Rotel Chicken Spaghetti, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty as the first.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid, stirring halfway to ensure even heating and creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves prep time, making this recipe even easier to pull together.

What if I don’t have Rotel on hand?

You can substitute with diced tomatoes and green chilies separately, adjusting for your preferred spice level. The key is to maintain that zesty tomato-chili combination that Rotel brings.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, just swap out the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and ensure your canned soups do not contain gluten. It won’t alter the amazing flavor and you’ll still get all the comforting deliciousness.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the chicken and consider adding beans or sautéed mushrooms for more substance. You can also use vegetable-based cream soups to keep it fully vegetarian.

How can I add more spice to the Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?

If you like heat, add extra diced green chilies, a dash of cayenne pepper, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce before baking to kick the spice level up a notch.

Final Thoughts

The Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels like a celebration of simple ingredients done just right. It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a winning dinner for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. If you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try – it might just become your new favorite comfort food that everyone will ask for again and again.

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need