Easy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel: A Creamy Southern Comfort Classic

If you’re searching for a meal that’s cheesy, creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor — without spending hours in the kitchen — this Easy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is exactly what you need. Made with tender chicken, pasta, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner casserole that Southern families have loved for generations.

This dish blends the satisfying textures of pasta with gooey cheese and a little spice from the diced tomatoes and green chilies. It’s quick, kid-approved, and makes enough to feed a crowd. Plus, it freezes beautifully for meal prep!

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🧀 What is Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel?

Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is a Southern-style comfort dish traditionally made with spaghetti, cooked chicken, Rotel tomatoes, cream-based soup, and cheese. It’s usually baked into a casserole — though many versions, like this one, are stovetop-friendly and even faster.

The magic lies in the Rotel, a canned mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds tang, mild heat, and color. It turns the classic creamy pasta into something zesty and crave-worthy.

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🍗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes using pantry staples.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and refrigerate or freeze leftovers.
• Kid-Friendly – Mildly spicy but creamy enough for picky eaters.
• Budget Friendly – Uses cooked chicken and shelf-stable ingredients.
• Versatile – Make it stovetop-only or bake it into a cheesy casserole.

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🛒 Ingredients (Original Recipe + Options)

Here’s what you’ll need for this tried-and-true comfort meal:

✅ Base Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth or pasta water (optional, to thin sauce)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

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🔄 Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ cup diced onions or bell peppers, sautéed for flavor
• ½ tsp garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
• 1 tsp chili powder or smoked paprika, for a flavor boost
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for extra heat
• Cream cheese, for added richness
• Breadcrumb topping, if baking casserole-style

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Reserve ½ cup pasta water for the sauce if needed.)

2. Make the Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine:

• Rotel tomatoes (with juice)
• Cream of chicken soup
• Velveeta cubes

Stir until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Add Chicken & Pasta

Stir in the cooked chicken and drained spaghetti. Mix until well coated. If the mixture is too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water.

4. Add Cheddar Cheese

Stir in half of the shredded cheddar, then sprinkle the rest on top.

Optional: Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.

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🧂 Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken to save time.
• Break spaghetti noodles in half before boiling — easier to mix and serve.
• Velveeta is key for that ultra-creamy, smooth sauce — but you can sub with cream cheese and cheddar if preferred.
• Don’t overcook pasta — it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with hot sauce.
• For a baked version, top with cheese and crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.

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🍽️ What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti

This dish is hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with:

• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or cornbread
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Sliced cucumbers or a pickle tray (for a Southern twist)

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❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is made for meal planning!

• To store: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• To freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or reheat gently on the stovetop.

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🔁 Variations

• Spicy Chicken Spaghetti: Use Rotel “Hot” or add diced jalapeños.
• Tex-Mex Version: Stir in black beans and corn, top with tortilla strips.
• Cheesy Bake: Layer in casserole dish, top with cheddar + breadcrumbs, and bake.
• No-Velveeta Version: Use 4 oz cream cheese + extra cheddar.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap spaghetti with spaghetti squash or spiralized zucchini.

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📊 Nutrition Highlights (Est. per serving)

• Calories: ~410
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Net Carbs: ~26g

(Adjust depending on cheese and pasta used)

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📝 Final Thoughts

There’s a reason why Easy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is a go-to in Southern kitchens — it’s cozy, creamy, comforting, and endlessly customizable. From weeknight dinners to potlucks and freezer meals, this dish is a dependable hero that never lets you down.

Whether you keep it simple or add your own twist, you’ll find this one-pot meal becomes a family favorite in no time. Serve it up warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce — and watch it disappear.

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