Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel

This classic recipe for baked Cheesy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is loaded with spicy tomatoes and chiles, precooked chicken and spaghetti, and LOTS of cheese!

Why We Love This Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with Rotel

Tangy, gooey, bold, and utterly comforting, this classic Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel Casserole recipe is just about perfect. It is completely family-friendly without being boring and is a great dish for using basic pantry staples in a fresh and fun way.

And how do I know that this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is loved by adults and kids alike? Not only do my children request it often, but I enjoyed it as a kid myself!

Now, I’m not really sure where this recipe originated (maybe some version was on the back of a Rotel can?), but it’s been around for a long time. I vividly remember my childhood BFF’s mom making it on sleepover nights, and it was a bit hit with us all. Cheesy, hearty, zesty, with a crunchy topping, and ready in less than an hour—what’s not to love?!

The Best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Rotel

While the basics of this recipe are the same as the traditional Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel bake, we’ve made a few simple tweaks to make the best version.

The recipe initially calls for a block of Velveeta cheese, but I prefer to use a blend of cream cheese and cheddar cheese for a thicker sauce and richer flavor.

Also, my friend’s mom would typically make her casserole with freshly prepared shredded chicken breasts. But I use ready-to-go rotisserie or leftover chicken for an even easier dish with less prep.

The chicken and a handful of pantry staples are layered and baked for a cheesy, rich, and satisfying crowd-pleasing comfort food casserole. You won’t believe how ridiculously easy and delicious this baked Cheesy Chicken and Spaghetti is to make any night of the week!

Ingredients You Need

Only 9 ingredients are needed for this Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe!

• Spaghetti – cooked and drained
• Cooked chicken – chopped, either rotisserie chicken or leftovers
• Canned Rotel tomatoes and green chilies – your choice of mild or spicy
• Cheeses – softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar
• Scallions – chopped
• Chicken base – or bouillon cubes
• Garlic powder – for a great savory flavor
• Salt and pepper

I also recommend topping the Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with crushed Ritz crackers. This is optional, but adds a great crunchy texture and buttery flavor. You could also use traditional breadcrumbs or panko, or leave off entirely.

How to Make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

From start to finish, this casserole is ready to enjoy in less than an hour. It’s great to make ahead as part of your weekly meal prep, and enjoy leftovers for lunch and dinner during the week!

Follow these simple steps to make the best, easiest Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti recipe with Rotel:

Firstly, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and set out a 9X13-inch casserole dish.

Cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water to al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.

Meanwhile, chop the cooked chicken and scallions. Then add to the spaghetti pot along with the cooked and drained pasta.

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 1-2 minutes, just enough to soften and be able to mix with the Rotel juices.

Then add the Rotel diced tomatoes and chiles, chicken base, and garlic powder. Mix well.

Pour the sauce into the spaghetti pot. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir to combine so that all ingredients are thoroughly coated in the sauce. Taste, then salt and pepper if needed.

Next, pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Spread it evenly, and sprinkle the top with crushed Ritz crackers or another topping.

Get the Complete (Printable) Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel Recipe Below. Enjoy!

Then bake the Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel Casserole for 30 minutes, uncovered, until the top is golden.

You can broil for 1-2 minutes for an extra crispy and crunchy topping, but be careful not to burn.

Remove the Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti from the oven and let it sit for a minute or so. Cut it and serve warm as a main dish with sides.

What Goes With Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

Enjoy creamy, cheesy, and spicy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with a fresh green salad or veggie dishes, like Grilled Vegetables or Crispy Fried Brussels Sprouts.

Serving with simple steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans is also great!

And make sure to add crusty Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots to the menu!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

The entire casserole freezes well, too! Prepare in a freezer-safe dish for the easiest recipe; then wrap in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a preheated oven. If frozen, first remove the foil and plastic wrap, then re-cover with fresh foil before baking at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking time.

Recipes Swaps and Add-Ins

• Cheese – You can Swap cream cheese for ricotta, or cheddar for mozzarella cheese, or Italian blend cheese.
• Chicken – Use shredded or chopped turkey or pork in place of chicken.
• Vegetables – Add any vegetables you like! Sliced carrots, asparagus, and bell peppers are good options.

Looking for More Classic Casserole Recipes?

• King Ranch Chicken Casserole
• Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe
• Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
• Perfect Tamale Pie Recipe
• Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Chicken and Rice Recipe)

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