Introduction

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines tender chicken, spaghetti noodles, creamy cheese, and the bold flavor of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. This classic Southern-inspired dish is beloved for its rich texture, mild heat, and easy preparation, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, family gatherings, and freezer meals.

What Is Rotel Chicken Spaghetti?

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a baked pasta casserole made with shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream-based sauce, melted cheese, and canned Rotel tomatoes. The tomatoes add a subtle kick of heat and acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and cream, creating a satisfying, well-rounded dish.

It is a staple recipe across the Southern United States and remains popular because it is affordable, filling, and highly customizable.

Why Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Is So Popular

Creamy, cheesy comfort food
Mild spice that appeals to most palates
Simple ingredients

Ideal for make-ahead and freezer meals
Feeds a crowd with minimal effort

Search interest for Rotel-based casseroles remains consistently strong, especially among home cooks seeking easy family dinners.

Ingredients Overview

Pasta and Protein

Spaghetti noodles
Cooked chicken (rotisserie, baked, or boiled)

Sauce Base

Cream of chicken soup

Cream of mushroom soup (optional)
Sour cream or cream cheese
Chicken broth (as needed for consistency)

Flavor Builders

Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
Onion, finely diced
Garlic

Salt and black pepper

Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese
Monterey Jack or Colby-Jack cheese

Optional Add-Ins

Bell peppers
Jalapeños
Paprika or chili powder

How to Make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Shred or dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine cream soups, sour cream or cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes (with juices), sautéed onion and garlic, and seasonings. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble

Add cooked spaghetti and chicken to the sauce. Stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest briefly before serving to allow it to set.

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti

Slightly undercook the pasta to prevent mushiness
Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting
Adjust heat level by choosing mild or hot Rotel

Add a splash of broth if the mixture seems too thick

Popular Variations

Cream Cheese Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

Use cream cheese instead of sour cream for extra richness.

Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot Rotel tomatoes.

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta

Replace shredded cheese with Velveeta for ultra-creamy texture.

Healthier Version

Use whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat dairy, and extra vegetables.

Crockpot Version

Combine all ingredients except pasta in a slow cooker, then stir in cooked pasta before serving.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Make-Ahead

Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Simple green salad
Steamed vegetables

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta
Skipping seasoning adjustments
Using pre-shredded cheese exclusively

Baking too long, which dries the casserole

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

Is Rotel Chicken Spaghetti spicy?
It has mild heat, which can be adjusted by choosing mild or hot Rotel.

Can I substitute another pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini work well.

Nutrition Notes

This is a hearty comfort dish. Portion control and lighter ingredient substitutions can help balance the meal.

Why This Recipe Performs Well for SEO

High-volume comfort food keywords

Strong regional and nostalgic appeal
Clear structure with searchable headings
Excellent engagement potential

Conclusion

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a timeless comfort-food classic that delivers creamy texture, bold flavor, and unmatched convenience. Whether you’re cooking for family, preparing a freezer meal, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole never disappoints. With its versatility and crowd-pleasing taste, it’s easy to see why Rotel Chicken Spaghetti remains a favorite generation after generation.

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade creamy base)
• ½ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: ¼ cup sliced green onions or pickled jalapeños for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
Cook pasta al dente; drain and return to pot.
In a bowl, combine Rotel, soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in chicken and 1 cup cheese.

Fold mixture into cooked pasta until evenly coated.
Transfer to baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese.
Bake uncovered 20–25 min until bubbly and golden at edges.

Rest 5 min. Garnish with green onions or jalapeños if desired.