Out Of This World Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a family favorite one-pan meal. Made with tender chicken, tomatoes and green chilies tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this is pasta casserole taken to a whole new level! This easy to make recipe is always a hit at the supper table, potlucks and makes a great freezer meal.
Comfort food. Pasta. Casserole. Those things just go together in my mind. Whenever I hear that someone is serving up a casserole with pasta, I automatically think of comfort food. We all need it, right? You know what I mean. Food that makes you feel good, kind of like a warm hug. Whether you need some extra loving or are celebrating a good day, a casserole loaded with pasta and other great ingredients is always in order.
My version of Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is on my family’s shortlist of out of this world good things in life. I’ve taken this popular recipe and changed it up a bit. I’ve taken out the canned soup, (I’m not being a food snob, I just can’t do that stuff) and instead added cream cheese and sour cream. There’s no processed cheese here but there are loads of shredded sharp cheddar. YES! I’ve also added more tomatoes and green chilies to make this baked pasta casserole extra flavorful. Last but not least, I decided to go all-in and added a topping of crushed tortillas and more cheese.
What Goes Into Rotel Chicken Spaghetti?
- Shredded Cooked Chicken
- Spaghetti
- Rotel Tomatoes and Chilies
- Cream Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Cheddar Cheese
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Tortilla Chips
Tips For Cooking Pasta
- Use a large pot. Fill it with 4 quarts of water for every pound of pasta. This way, you’re not crowding the pot.
- Season the water with at least a tablespoon of salt, more is fine. This is crucial to having a flavorful dish.
- Bring the water up to a boil and add the pasta. Stir with tongs or a large spoon so that the pasta does not stick together.
- Cook according to the package but TEST by tasting before the recommended time is up. You want the pasta to be cooked “al dente” which means it should be chewy and not soggy.
Can You Freeze Rotel Chicken Spaghetti?
This recipe makes a great freezer meal. To make sure it turns out properly, assemble leaving off the crushed tortilla chips and cheese. Cover the casserole with foil and freeze. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw in the fridge, add the crushed chips and cheese then bake, uncovered for about 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot.
What To Serve With This Casserole
This is a great one-pan dish that only needs a couple of things to make a complete meal. I like to serve a cool salad alongside it. My favorites are Super Simple Caprese Salad and Tomato Cucumber Salad. For the final touch, add in some warm bread like Garlic Knots or Parmesan Garlic Skillet Rolls.
More Easy Pasta Dishes To Make
If you make this recipe, let me know!
You can rate it below, leave me a comment or snap a picture. Just tag me on Instagram at #asouthernsoul.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts - cooked and shredded
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 10 ounce cans Rotel tomatoes and chilies
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare a baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and place on the pan. Roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until done and chicken is no longer pink. To check that chicken is done, use a meat thermometer that registers 160-170 degrees. Remove from oven, and shred using 2 forks.
- While chicken is baking, cook pasta according to package directions. When done, drain and set aside.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 11x17 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- To a large pot, over medium-low heat, add cooked chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, both cans of Rotel tomatoes and chilies, cumin, salt, garlic and, onion powder. Stir together until cream cheese is melted. Add-in 2 cups of cheddar cheese and stir. Add cooked pasta and stir together until noodles are coated. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top of casserole with crushed tortilla chips and remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes until heated through and top of casserole is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and serve.
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Donna
Could you please tell me how to print the recipe after I have downsized it. Every time I go to print, it reverts to the original amount, not the 6 serving size I am looking for
Donya
Hey Donna.
I just tested that option and it worked for me. I scrolled down to the recipe card, moved the serving slider down to 6 then clicked the print button. It came up with the correct amounts and printed beautifully. Sorry that I can’t be of further help.
Have a great day,
Donya
Donna
Donya, could you please tell me how much chicken, in pounds or whatever, instead of how many chicken breasts. The size of the chicken is all over the map lately and, despite my idea
of more is better, sometimes too much of something will throw a recipe out of whack. (The casserole is too dry)
I am also assuming the Rotel tomatoes and chilies cans are the ones about the size of a soup can? That is the only size they sell in Canada, but I don’t know if there are other sizes.
Love your recipes!
Thanks.
Donya
The average weight of 3 chicken breasts is about 2.25 pounds.
I’m not sure why your casserole is dry. Make sure not to drain the Rotel tomatoes and chilies (10 ounce size) so that you use all the juice.
~Donya
Becky
How could I convert the oven cook time to crock pot?
Donya
Unfortunately, I’ve never made this in the crock pot. It’s a casserole so I’m not sure how it would work in the crock pot.
~Donya
Kym
Great recipe .. loved that I DIDNOT have to use plastic cheese or commonly known as Velvetta .. I was also able to split the batch and make a gluten free version for my son’s girlfriend.. it was a hit
Donya
Thanks, Kym!
I hear you on that “cheese” and agree 100%.
Have a great day, and thank you so much for the 5 star rating.
~Donya