Discover the ultimate comfort food with our delicious chicken spaghetti with rotel and velvetta! Perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and a savory, creamy, cheesy sauce come together in this easy-to-make dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal tonight!
Nothing says ultimate comfort food quite like this creamy and cheesy, homemade chicken spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta.
It is comfort food with a big flavor to the max.
Who says spaghetti has to be traditional with pasta sauce?
Why not jazz it up with some good things like tender chicken, spicy tomatoes, and lots of cheese?
A quick and easy creamy chicken spaghetti casserole dish that all the kids love, because well; pasta, cheese, and chicken are perfection.
It is great as a stand-alone complete meal or you can have it with something like garlic bread.
You really can't go wrong with this southern recipe that all of your friends and the whole family will find addictive.
It is one of our most popular recipes and a family favorite.
Like the Three Cheese Manicotti recipe, this is another one of our favorite homemade pasta dishes.
It also makes for great leftovers as well.
Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Spicy: Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies add a spicy kick to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile. The combination of these ingredients provides a unique and delicious taste.
- Easy to Make: Chicken spaghetti with Rotel is relatively easy to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Many people appreciate the simplicity of the recipe.
- Comfort Food: It's a classic comfort food that reminds people of home-cooked meals and gatherings with loved ones. The creamy, cheesy, and spicy elements make it a satisfying and comforting dish.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences. You can adjust the level of spiciness by choosing the type of Rotel (mild, medium, or hot), and you can add other ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to personalize the dish.
- Family-Friendly: This easy chicken spaghetti recipe is often a hit with both kids and adults. The combination of pasta, chicken, and cheese is generally appealing to a wide range of palates.
- Leftovers: It reheats well, so you can enjoy it for several meals, making it a practical option for meal planning.
- Cheesy Goodness: The dish is loaded with melted cheese, which adds a creamy and indulgent element that many people find irresistible.
- Satisfying and Filling: The combination of pasta and chicken provides a hearty and filling meal, making it a great choice for those looking for a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients for creamy a chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel
- ½ Package of Spaghetti Noodles (8 ozs of a 16 oz pkg) - These are the base of the dish, providing a hearty pasta component.
- 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (you could also use store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken to save time or leftover chicken) - The chicken is the main source of protein in the dish. Whether using fresh chicken breasts or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, it adds a delicious and meaty component to the recipe.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (you can just use the broth from boiling the chicken) - The chicken broth serves multiple purposes. It's used for cooking the chicken breasts, infusing them with flavor, and also provides a liquid base for the sauce, contributing to the overall savory and chicken-flavored profile of the dish.
- 1 lb Velveeta Cheese - Velveeta cheese is a key ingredient for creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken, giving the dish its signature richness and flavor. If you are not a fan of velvetta you could substitute for shredded block cheese.
- 1 Can Rotel Tomatoes (we prefer mild Rotel) - Rotel tomatoes, especially the mild variety, add a subtle kick of spiciness and tanginess to the dish. They provide a contrast to the creamy elements, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup - Cream of chicken soup contributes to the creamy consistency of the sauce, making it thick and velvety while adding an extra layer of chicken flavor.
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup - Cream of mushroom soup adds depth and an umami richness to the sauce. It complements the chicken and cheese flavors while providing a hint of earthiness.
Recommended Tools
- Stock Pot (for boiling chicken)
- Saucepan (for making the cheese sauce)
- Casserole Baking Dish (for putting it all together)
- Electric Mixer (optional, but works amazingly well for shredded chicken)
This recipe serves approximately 6 people but you can double the recipe to make even more of this gooey dish for leftovers, a large family, or a larger crowd.
How to make Homemade Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velvetta!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and boil the chicken breast over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
You can use chicken legs or thighs if you choose just discard the bones and skin.
Remove chicken and 1 cup of the chicken broth for later use.
Shred the cooked chicken into pieces.
I like to use my Ninja Chopper or Kitchenaid for this, they both work great for shredding chicken.
Cook spaghetti (in the pasta water or new water) according to the package directions and until al dente.
Cube your Velvetta and mix with the 1 cup of chicken broth and heat on low heat until the cheese melts.
Combine the Rotel, both cans of soup, chicken, and cooked spaghetti with the creamy cheesy sauce.
Bake in a 9×13 inch casserole dish at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes.
You can add some chopped green onions, bell pepper, red peppers, or green chilies on top for a garnish if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze Rotel chicken spaghetti casserole?
This cheesy chicken spaghetti freezes exceptionally well, go ahead and make it in advance. Once you place it in the casserole dish, you don't need to bake it first, just freeze it for up to four months.
It is important to note that the consistency of the creamy sauce won’t be exactly the same when reheated from frozen. When you're ready to enjoy it, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen, but it may take longer to warm through.
How to store leftovers for this recipe!
For best results, store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Allow the chicken spaghetti to cool to room temperature before storing it.
Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth. If you have a large batch of chicken spaghetti, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easier to store and reheat only what you need at a time.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the pasta type.
What can I substitute for Rotel tomatoes with green chilies?
If you can't find Rotel, you can use diced tomatoes and add some chopped green chilies or jalapeños to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare chicken spaghetti ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when reheating?
To prevent overcooking the pasta dish during reheating, slightly undercook it when initially preparing the dish. When reheating, heat until just warmed through.
Can I add extra vegetables or ingredients?
Absolutely! Many people add bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or other vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Can Chicken Spaghetti be made in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make chicken spaghetti in a slow cooker! Slow cooker chicken spaghetti is a convenient and delicious option, especially if you prefer a hands-off cooking method.
Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ Package of Spaghetti
- 2 Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 1 lb Velveeta Cheese
- 1 Can Rotel
- 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Boil chicken breast in a pot of water until fully cooked. {You can use chicken legs or thighs if you choose just discard the bones and skin.} Remove chicken and 1 cup of the chicken broth for later use. Shred the chicken into pieces.
- Cook spaghetti according to the package.
- Cube your Velveeta and mix with the 1 cup of chicken broth and heat on low until cheese melts.
- Combine the Rotel, both cans of soup, chicken, and spaghetti with the cheese.
- Bake in a 9x13 dish at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes.
LaLa says
I’ve never seen the point in baking this. My friend used to bake hers and I never did, we use the exact same ingredients and nobody has ever been able to tell a difference when we would both bring it to potlucks. So she doesn’t bake hers now either and saves a lot of time. I boil them drain my noodles, add all the ingredients, stir until melted and blended and done ! Takes less than 30 minutes
Melissa says
Lala,
You definitely don't have to bake the dish if you choose not to as at the point of baking all the necessary things are already cooked like the chicken and noodles. I just personally think the baking process melds all the ingredients together better. If you can't tell the difference for your recipe I would skip the process as well. Always great to save extra time.
Lacie says
I made this bus i just added two cans of chicken soup and i loved bowtie noodles instead. Talking about good. My son never eats hes picky and well he loved it. I also added bell pepper, garlic, onion and celery to the broth. which i had read Martees’ post. It was good thanks.
Melissa says
Glad to hear your kiddo loved it. It's definitely a easy recipe to tweak to your liking.
Martee says
I’ve made chicken spaghetti for years. Always used shredded cheese but I’m following your recipes today. Only exception is I added celery, onion, bell pepper and garlic to my broth water I cooked the chicken in. I also included those into the mix after draining the broth. In the oven now. Will let you know how it turned out.
Anna Mujica says
Looks good, my kids would definitely love this! We actually just made the switch to trying to be as close to a Paleo diet as possible, but this does give me a great starting point!
Marissa @ Life is Fantasmic says
Yum, that looks delicious! I would probably have to use either penne or rotini noodles instead of spaghetti though. My hubby thinks that red sauce is the only right thing with spaghetti.
Melissa Coleman says
Haha... He just needs to go over to the dark side. 😉
The GO Mamas says
My family loves pasta in all forms, but I have yet to try a chicken spaghetti! This recipe looks like a good start. thanks.
Marissa McKenna says
Yum! We have pasta at least once a week. My husband loves chicken alfredo, but the kids and I will eat anything with pasta (it's the Italian in me, I guess!).
Jennifer S. says
Chicken alfredo is my kids favorite, for me, regular old spaghetti with meat sauce. Your meal looks yummy, especially with the side of garlic bread!!
Melissa Coleman says
If we are having spaghetti we always have to have a side of garlic bread. 🙂
Desiree Jackson says
I love this recipe.. I am usually a chicken alfredo or spaghetti and meatballs type of girl but look forward to trying this
Coffee Matters says
We love chicken spaghetti at our house! Your recipe looks delicious , I have never shredded my chicken for it though, I really like that idea.
Melissa Coleman says
I don't know why I started shredding the chicken but we like it that way. If you have a chopper it makes quick work of it.
Anna says
This looks like the perfect comfort food recipe! Yum!
Vivian Peppers says
MY favorite dish is blackened chicken pasta alfredo. However, I'm a big fan of any kind of pasta (except penne for some odd reason, lol). Anyway, I may make this dish sometime this week. Thanks for sharing!
pam russo says
I never made this specific recipe but it will go into my recipe box. Seems like a wonderful meal for the grandchildren! Thanks.
Tammy says
Pining the recipe for sure. What can go wrong with cheese, chicken and pasta. YUMMY!!! Hubby will love this.
Melissa Coleman says
Right, 3 of my favorite things. 🙂
Jelli B. says
This sounds delicious. I love easy pasta meals. My favorite quick pasta is to make spaghetti and then mix it in a bowl with minced garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, tomatoes, salt and pepper. The longer it sits at room temp, the yummier it gets. I like to prep it early on Sunday morning and then serve it for lunch after church with some grated Parmesan cheese.
Melissa Coleman says
That sounds delicious Jelli. 🙂
Samantha Cummings says
Ah - this sounds soooo good! My favorite spaghetti dish is just regular spaghetti with tomato sauce, but I love putting it in a casserole dish and tossing some cheese and garlic on top and letting it bake for about 10 minutes. Really good and easy.
Melissa Coleman says
I have never tried baking regular spaghetti with cheese and garlic... umm so trying that! I love regular spaghetti too. I love spaghetti just as a whole. haha!
Robyn-coolestmommy R says
Anything involving velveeta and rotel HAS to be delicious. Can't wait to try it out.
Melissa Coleman says
I know right? haha
Lindsay Swoboda says
This looks delish and easy, but I would make a few adjustments with veg and wheat pasta too. We're on the super-health kick this year, haha, I hope it sticks! But I'd like to find healthy and fast recipes too!
Melissa Coleman says
Awesome, you could definitely change it to fit your family. 🙂
A Day in Candiland says
This seems like an easy recipe to whip up and I love some of the comments about adding some veggies.
Melissa Coleman says
I don't ever add veggies but you definitely could. I might try it sometime. 🙂
Melissa Coleman says
Jeanie, I haven't tried it with wheat pasta but if you are use to eating wheat noodles I bet it would taste just fine. 🙂
Jen S. says
YUM...My kids ask for spaghetti every night. They love to twirl. This looks great
Melissa Coleman says
Yes! I use to cut my daughter's spaghetti up until she started yelling at me that I she didn't get to twirl her spaghetti. haha!
Carli Walker says
Looks sooooooooooooooo yummy! Like a perfect cold night, stick to your bones kinda meal! Pinning this for the future!
Our Provident Home says
I love all kinds of pasta! We will have to try this recipe. All the ingredients, if you subbed canned chicken, would be shelf stable. That's nice for a quick from the shelf meal when regular dinner plans fall through. Thanks for sharing.
Melissa Coleman says
I have never tried it with canned chicken but I use canned chicken for chicken salad so i'm sure it would be just as good.
Clint Butler says
Chicken and spagetti are our two favorite foods. We have cooked dishes like this before. They are quick and easy after a long day at work. And its food we don't have to fight with the kids over to get them eat.
Teri says
Oh - I am BEYOND excited to try this!! I'm allergic to ingredients in marinara. For the past 16 years I've tortured my husband with pasta, and I never buy or make sauce for it! My kids eat buttered noodles and parmesan with grilled chicken in it (a la Noodles and Co.). This cheese sauce sounds incredible, though!
Melissa Coleman says
I bet they would really like this then. 🙂
Neva Fels says
I like the different colors and textures of the Rotel, chicken and spaghetti. I'm looking forward to trying it.
Tatyana Gray says
Looks delicious! I've never baked spaghetti before, but this dish is definitely worth a try. What other cheese besides Velveeta would you recommend?
Melissa Coleman says
You could definitely use shredded cheddar, probably like 2 cups for this recipe.
Glenda says
Wow this looks so easy and since my son loves both Chicken and Spaghetti I am going to have to make it. Plus it would be great to have at the Networking Meetings I host as they are Pot Luck and children are allowed and I am sure they would like this.
Melissa Coleman says
This recipe would definitely be good for pot lucks because you can make so much of it for fairly inexpensive and it's super yummy so it wouldn't be one of those dishes everyone passes up. 😉
Carly says
This looks amazing!
Mama.Mommy.Mom. says
I think with the cheese, this might be a way I can get my kids to eat some chicken! They love cheesy pasta.
Jennifer says
Chicken Spaghetti is one of my favorites!!
Casey Elizabeth says
This looks amazing! I've never made chicken spaghetti before but I'm definitely going to now!
Laura MyNewestAddiction says
Yummy! I haven't had chicken spaghetti in a long time! thanks for the recipe
Maria G says
This looks so good and easy! Going to have to try it soon 🙂
Melissa Coleman says
It is really easy, just a little bit of prep work and then you can throw it in the oven and get something else done while its cooking. 🙂
Laura Toeniskoetter says
My mom makes this all the time!
Sarah, How My World Runs says
I use pretty much the same recipe but sometimes add frozen green peas to get an extra veggie in there. 🙂
Melissa Coleman says
I have never tried it with peas but I imagine it's great and a good way to sneak in some veggies too if you have picky eaters. Luckily my daughter loves veggies, thank goodness. 🙂