There is something so irresistibly comforting about a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that really hits the spot, and my Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe does just that. Bursting with tender shredded chicken, creamy soup base, zesty diced tomatoes & green chilies, and gooey melted cheddar, this casserole is packed full of flavor and texture that will keep everyone going back for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple to whip up, making it a beloved crowd-pleaser in my kitchen and one I’m excited to share with you today.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the straightforward list fool you — each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich, layered taste of Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe. From the creamy cheeses to the lively bite of RoTel, every single element brings its own magic to the table.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, cooked, and shredded chicken breast: The star protein that adds heartiness and keeps this dish filling.
- 16 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces: A familiar pasta base that soaks up all the creamy goodness beautifully.
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (21.5 ounces total): Provides a velvety, comforting sauce foundation essential to the dish.
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes & green chilies (RoTel): Adds a lively zest and slight kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened: Gives the sauce an ultra-smooth, rich texture that binds everything.
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided: Delivers that irresistible cheesy pull and caramelized golden top.
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk): Used to adjust sauce consistency for the perfect creaminess without heaviness.
- 1 cup mixed peppers and onions (sautéed if fresh): Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and colorful contrast to the dish.
How to Make Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by preparing your components: cook and shred the chicken first, which can be done ahead of time to save effort. If you’re using fresh peppers and onions, give them a quick sauté until soft and aromatic. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until perfectly tender before draining and setting aside. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking flow.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, RoTel, and softened cream cheese. Heat this trio in the microwave, stirring at one-minute intervals, until the mixture becomes luscious and velvety. This step is key for melding the bright tomato-chili flavors with the creamy base that defines the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Next, stir in two cups of shredded Cheddar cheese while the sauce is still warm. Watch the cheese melt into the sauce, creating a smooth, decadent mixture. If it feels a bit too thick, gently thin it out with the heavy cream or milk for that perfect pourable consistency.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gently fold the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sautéed peppers and onions into the cheesy sauce. Each bite promises a perfect harmony of tender meat, pasta, vegetables, and rich sauce—a true reason why this Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe is so beloved.
Step 5: Assemble Casserole
Transfer your mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded Cheddar on top for a glorious cheesy crust that will bubble and brown in the oven, adding both flavor and visual appeal to your dish.
Step 6: Bake or Freeze
At this stage, you have two delicious options: cover the casserole with plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to three months for a quick meal later, or refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for five minutes once out of the oven to let the flavors settle and the cheese firm up slightly. This simple pause ensures every spoonful of Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe is as flavorful, creamy, and comforting as it should be.
How to Serve Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top gives the casserole a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor that complements the creamy richness beautifully. If you like a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders too.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides to balance the richness. Think a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes for personal portions. It also works beautifully as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, adding a festive touch to your gatherings or dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days if covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This is perfect for easy next-day lunches or dinner reheats.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you want a cozy meal, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or bake the whole casserole at 350°F until bubbling again. Adding a splash of milk or cream can refresh the sauce and keep the texture creamy after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of RoTel in this recipe?
While fresh tomatoes can be used, RoTel provides a unique blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds signature flavor and a bit of heat essential to this dish. If using fresh, consider adding diced green chilies separately to maintain that balance.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it simple to enjoy Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe without worry.
What type of cheese works best if I can’t find Cheddar?
Sharp Cheddar is traditional here for its strong flavor and melting quality, but you can also use Colby, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses to keep it creamy and flavorful.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds delicious, seasoned flavor to your casserole. Just shred it up and add it in during the combine step.
How spicy is Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the mild kick from RoTel’s diced green chilies. However, if you prefer less heat, drain some of the liquid from the RoTel or substitute with plain diced tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe will not only satisfy your craving for comfort food but also brighten your dinner table with its beautiful layers of creamy, cheesy, and zesty flavors. It’s a dish that brings warmth, smiles, and seconds—trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
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Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel is a comforting and flavorful casserole combining tender shredded chicken, broken spaghetti pieces, a creamy cheese and tomato sauce, and a vibrant mix of peppers and onions. Perfect for a family-friendly meal, this dish can be quickly assembled and baked until bubbly and golden, offering rich Southern flavors with a spicy kick from RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Ingredients
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 and Cheese
- 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
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided (12 ounces)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed peppers and onions (sautéed if using fresh)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Gather and prepare all ingredients by cooking and shredding the chicken if not precooked, breaking the spaghetti into pieces, and sautéing the peppers and onions if using fresh.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the broken spaghetti pieces in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, RoTel tomatoes with green chilies, and softened cream cheese. Heat in the microwave, stirring every minute, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, thin it by adding a small amount of heavy cream or milk.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sautéed peppers and onions into the prepared cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spoon the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Freeze or Refrigerate (Optional): For make-ahead convenience, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months or refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes after baking before serving, allowing it to set and cool slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Sauté fresh peppers and onions to enhance their flavor; canned can be used but may alter texture.
- This casserole can be frozen before baking; just bake from frozen by adding extra cooking time.
- Use milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream for thinning the sauce if desired.
- For a spicier version, add extra diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
