If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal, look no further than this Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe. It’s a beloved Southern classic that effortlessly combines tender shredded chicken, tender spaghetti, and that signature creamy, cheesy tomato kick from RoTel. This dish is the perfect weeknight winner that brings comfort and bold flavors together in a way that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a bit of spice, or the heartiness that makes this casserole a meal. These essentials come together quickly and easily, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, cooked, and shredded chicken breast: The star protein that provides tender, juicy bites throughout the dish.
- 16 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces: Gives the casserole the satisfying texture and helps soak up all the wonderful flavors.
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (21.5 ounces total): The creamy base that ties everything together with comfort and richness.
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes & green chilies (RoTel): Adds a lovely hint of spice and bright acidity to balance the creamy sauce.
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened: For that luscious smoothness that elevates the sauce to pure indulgence.
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided (12 ounces): Provides gooey, melty cheesiness in every bite, with extra to sprinkle on top.
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk): To loosen the sauce to a perfect consistency and add a silky finish.
- 1 cup mixed peppers and onions (sautéed if using fresh): Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast, boosting the dish’s depth.
How to Make Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cooking your chicken until it’s tender and shred it into bite-sized pieces—use more chicken if you want an extra hearty casserole. If you’re going fresh, sauté your peppers and onions just until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Meanwhile, cook your spaghetti in salted boiling water until tender, then drain and set aside. These simple steps set the foundation for all the flavors to shine.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, RoTel tomatoes and chilies, and softened cream cheese. Heat this mixture in the microwave, stirring every minute, until it becomes smooth and creamy. This sauce is where the magic happens, packing in both creaminess and a pop of spice from the RoTel.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
Next, stir in two cups of shredded Cheddar cheese into your sauce. Allow it to melt in completely to create a luscious texture. If you find the sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk or heavy cream to thin it out just enough to coat every part of your spaghetti and chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Now, gently fold in the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sautéed peppers and onions into the creamy cheese sauce. This step ensures every forkful has a perfect balance of protein, pasta, veggies, and that irresistible cheesy-tomato flavor.
Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole
Transfer your mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded Cheddar cheese generously over the top. This final layer will turn beautifully golden and bubbly while baking, adding that crave-worthy cheese crust everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake or Freeze for Later
You can bake the casserole right away by preheating your oven to 350°F and cooking it for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Alternatively, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to three months, or refrigerate for up to two days. It’s a great make-ahead meal option for busy nights.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
After baking, let your Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe rest for 5 minutes before serving. This little pause helps the casserole set up for cleaner slices and lets all the layers meld together to perfection.
How to Serve Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. For a bit of extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on the side complements the creamy heat of the RoTel beautifully and adds a cool bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs perfectly with crisp garden salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A warm slice of buttery garlic bread can also round out the meal, soaking up any extra cheesy sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, dinner-party presentation, or layer it with extra cheese and pop it under a broiler for a few minutes for a golden, crispy cheese crust. This casserole’s comforting look and rich aroma will win hearts every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, just be careful to do it in short bursts to keep the sauce creamy without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor to the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe while saving time in the kitchen.
What if I don’t have RoTel tomatoes and green chilies?
You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes and add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring in some of the signature spicy kick.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure the soup and other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a blend of hearty vegetables, and opt for a vegetable-based cream soup instead of chicken soup. The cheesy, creamy sauce still makes it so comforting.
How spicy is the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the green chilies in RoTel—perfect for those who like a gentle spicy kick without overwhelming their palate. You can always adjust by choosing mild or hot RoTel varieties.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously comforting casserole that brings Southern charm and cheesy goodness together, this Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe is a must-try. It’s quick to prepare, filled with layers of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as satisfying leftovers. I promise this one will become a favorite in your recipe collection, ready whenever you need a warm, hearty hug from the kitchen.
Print
Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel is a comforting casserole loaded with tender, shredded chicken, tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and a zesty kick from diced tomatoes and green chilies. It combines a cheesy, savory sauce made from cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar, all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this casserole is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and packed with Southern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, cooked, and shredded chicken breast (or more, if desired)
Pasta
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken, vegetables, and pasta: Cook and shred the chicken breast if not already cooked. If using fresh peppers and onions, sauté them in a pan until softened. Boil salted water and cook the broken spaghetti pieces until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and softened cream cheese. Microwave the mixture, stirring every minute, until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Melt cheese into sauce: Stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese into the warm sauce until fully melted and smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or heavy cream to thin it slightly.
- Combine all ingredients: Mix the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sautéed peppers and onions into the cheese sauce until 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.
- Store or bake: For future use, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months or refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese on top is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving warm.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Use fresh or frozen peppers and onions; sauté fresh for best flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, adjust the amount of heavy cream or milk to your liking.
- This casserole freezes well; thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
- For a spicier dish, add extra diced green chilies or hot sauce.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese blend.
