If you are searching for a dish that brilliantly combines comfort, flavor, and a hint of spice, the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe is your go-to meal. This creamy, cheesy casserole boasts tender shredded chicken, tender spaghetti, and the zesty kick of RoTel tomatoes and green chilies, all baked together to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends.

Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an important role in building the rich flavors and textures of this dish. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheeses and the lively pop of RoTel, every component works harmoniously to create that unforgettable comfort-food experience.

Boneless cooked chicken breast (1.5 pounds): Shredded for tender, flaky protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Spaghetti (16 ounces): Broken into smaller pieces, making it easy to eat and perfectly coated in sauce.
Cream of chicken soup, condensed (2 cans, 21.5 ounces total): Creates a creamy base that binds the casserole together.
RoTel diced tomatoes & green chilies (10 ounces): Adds a tangy, mildly spicy kick that lifts the entire dish.
Cream cheese (6 ounces): Softened to enrich the sauce with smooth, velvety texture.
Shredded Cheddar cheese (3 cups, divided): Gives sharp, melty, cheesy goodness both inside the dish and as a golden topping.
Heavy cream or milk (¼ cup): Used to adjust the sauce consistency for perfect creaminess.
Mixed peppers and onions (1 cup): Sautéed to add a sweet and savory crunch that complements the heat from RoTel.

How to Make Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

First things first, get your chicken cooked and shredded. If you’re starting raw, poach, roast, or grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred them with two forks. If you’re using fresh peppers and onions, sauté them until soft and fragrant. Break the spaghetti into smaller pieces—about 2 inches—and cook it in vigorously boiling salted water until tender but not mushy. Drain well to avoid sogginess later.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Now let’s build that luscious sauce. Combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, RoTel tomatoes and chilies, and softened cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in bursts, stirring every minute, until everything melts into a smooth and creamy blend. This sauce forms the flavorful heart of your casserole, blending creaminess with a subtle spicy zip.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Next, stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese into the warm sauce. The cheese should melt completely, thickening the sauce and infusing it with sharp, melty richness. If your sauce feels too thick, gently thin it out with a splash of heavy cream or milk to keep it silky and easy to mix with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once your sauce is perfect, add the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sautéed peppers and onions. Gently fold everything together until every strand of pasta is coated and the chicken is evenly distributed. This is where the magic comes together, creating that classic Southern comfort casserole texture and flavor.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Grease a casserole dish and spoon in your pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese on top. This cheese layer will melt and brown while baking, adding an irresistible cheesy crust that is both crunchy and gooey.

Step 6: Bake or Freeze

At this stage, you can either bake the casserole immediately or prepare it for later. If baking right away, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. If you want to save it, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil—it will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months or in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes to allow the casserole to set slightly. This resting time helps it slice more cleanly and prevents too much steam when serving. Now you’re ready to dig in to the sensational Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Serve Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe

Garnishes

Top your casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vibrant crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior. For a little extra zing, a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes add a playful kick without overpowering the balanced flavors.

Side Dishes

This decadent casserole pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed in garlic butter. The freshness of these sides cuts through the richness of the dish, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, serve in individual ramekins for charming single portions that feel special. You can also top each serving with a little shredded cheese and broil briefly for an extra bubbly crust. If you’re bringing the dish to a potluck, a colorful platter garnished with sliced avocados or freshly diced tomatoes adds a vibrant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and covered tightly to maintain moisture and flavor. When ready to enjoy, leftovers remain creamy and delicious.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Freeze it assembled and unbaked by covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer, so you can have a comforting dinner ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly—usually about 20 to 25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking preserves the best texture and reheats the cheese topping perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred the meat and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What if I don’t have RoTel? Can I substitute it?

You can substitute RoTel with diced tomatoes and a small amount of diced jalapeño or green chilies to mimic the flavor and spice. Adjust the quantity to match your preferred heat level.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace spaghetti with a gluten-free pasta variety. Be sure to check that your soup and other processed ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or extra bell peppers for heartiness. Use vegetable broth-based cream soups or make a homemade sauce to keep it meat-free.

How spicy is this recipe?

The flavor has a mild to medium spice level, primarily from the RoTel tomatoes and green chilies. If you prefer less heat, drain some of the liquid from RoTel or use a mild diced tomato blend.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe—it’s a meal that brings together creamy textures, zesty flavors, and comforting goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this dish is sure to become a beloved classic in your home. Give it a try and watch it become everyone’s favorite go-to comfort food!

Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe

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4.1 from 58 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel is a comforting and cheesy casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, spaghetti, a creamy cheese sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. It’s a flavorful, slightly spicy dish that’s perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead and frozen for convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

1.5 pounds boneless, cooked, and shredded chicken breast (or more, if desired)
16 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces

Sauce

2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup (21.5 ounces total)
10 ounces diced tomatoes & green chilies (RoTel)
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)

Cheese

3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided (12 ounces)

Vegetables

1 cup mixed peppers and onions (sautéed if using fresh)

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Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and prepare as needed, including breaking spaghetti into 2-inch pieces.
Cook and Shred Chicken and Sauté Vegetables: Cook and shred the chicken breast if not pre-cooked. If using fresh peppers and onions, sauté them in a pan until softened. Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until tender, then drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and softened cream cheese. Heat in the microwave, stirring every minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese into the sauce, mixing until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding a little heavy cream or milk.
Combine Ingredients: Stir the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sautéed peppers and onions into the cheese sauce until evenly mixed.
Assemble Casserole: Spoon the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake or Freeze: You may cover the casserole with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months, or refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. To bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving to let it set slightly and to enhance flavors.