If there’s one comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with a zesty kick, it’s the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe. This hearty casserole combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and the bold flavors of RoTel tomatoes and green chilies, all wrapped up in a luscious cheese sauce that screams home-cooked goodness. Whether it’s a family gathering, weeknight dinner, or potluck favorite, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this dish, but don’t be fooled by the simplicity—each item plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe so irresistible.
- Boneless, cooked, and shredded chicken breast (1.5 pounds): The tender protein base that absorbs all the saucy flavors beautifully.
- Spaghetti (16 ounces), broken into 2-inch pieces: Provides the comforting pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.75 ounces each): Adds a rich, savory body to the casserole.
- RoTel diced tomatoes & green chilies (10 ounces): Gives the dish its iconic zesty punch and a pop of color.
- Cream cheese (6 ounces, softened): Brings velvety creaminess and tang that balances the spice.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese (3 cups total, divided): Imparts gooey, melty goodness and sharp flavor notes.
- Heavy cream or milk (¼ cup): Smooths out the sauce for just the right consistency.
- Mixed peppers and onions (1 cup, sautéed if fresh): Offers sweetness and a subtle crunch for texture contrast.
How to Make Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken, Veggies, and Pasta
Start off by cooking your chicken if it’s not already prepared, then shred it into bite-sized, tender pieces that will mingle beautifully with the sauce. If using fresh peppers and onions, sauté them gently until soft and fragrant, unlocking their natural sweetness. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until perfectly tender but not mushy, then drain and set aside to cool slightly — you want it ready to soak up all that saucy goodness.
Step 2: Warm Up the Creamy Base
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and softened cream cheese. Heat this trio in the microwave, stirring every minute, until the mixture transforms into a smooth, luscious sauce that’s bursting with flavor and creaminess.
Step 3: Add the Cheddar Magic
Stir in two cups of shredded Cheddar cheese while the sauce is still warm, letting it melt and weave its sharp, gooey magic throughout. If the sauce feels too thick at this point, a splash of heavy cream or milk will do wonders to loosen it to the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Peppers
Fold the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sautéed peppers and onions into the cheesy sauce. This is where everything starts to come together—the chicken adds heartiness, the spaghetti soaks up the rich sauce, and the vegetables provide delightful texture and depth.
Step 5: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Spoon the entire mixture into a well-greased casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Then scatter the remaining cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the top, creating a golden blanket that will melt and bubble into perfection when baked.
Step 6: Chill or Freeze Before Baking (Optional)
If you’d like, cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months, or refrigerate for up to 2 days. This step is perfect for meal prepping or planning ahead for gatherings. When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 20 minutes until hot and irresistibly bubbly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to stand for five minutes after baking to firm up slightly and make serving easier. Then dig in and enjoy a warm, satisfying taste of Southern comfort at its finest!
How to Serve Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add freshness and a little extra zing. Try topping your casserole with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a light dusting of smoked paprika to enhance the vibrant flavors and make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich, cheesy dish with crisp, refreshing sides such as a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed broccoli. Cornbread or garlic bread also make perfect companions, helping to soak up any extra sauce and balance the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this casserole into a fun, shareable dish by serving individual portions in ramekins or cast iron skillets for a rustic touch. For potlucks, consider topping it with crushed tortilla chips or jalapeños for a Tex-Mex flair that will wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, making it a convenient and delicious lunch or dinner option for busy days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. To freeze, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before popping it in your freezer. When stored properly, it can last up to three months without losing its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until bubbly, or zap single servings in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick to keep that creamy, luscious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that makes preparing the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe even faster without sacrificing flavor or tenderness.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, try using sour cream or a mild goat cheese for a slightly different but still creamy texture.
Is this dish spicy?
The RoTel adds a mild to moderate kick depending on the variety you use. If you prefer less heat, go for a mild version or drain some of the juice before adding.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta to make this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters without losing its delicious soul.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
Once assembled, bake the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until it’s heated through and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the comfort and joy that only good food made with simple, flavorful ingredients can bring. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home too!
Print
Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A comforting Southern Chicken Spaghetti casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, spaghetti pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies (RoTel). This easy, cheesy bake can be prepared ahead, frozen, and baked to perfection for a hearty family meal filled with flavorful layers of creamy goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds boneless, cooked, and shredded chicken breast (or more, if desired)
- 1 cup mixed peppers and onions (sautéed if using fresh)
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)
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided (12 ounces)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: Cook and shred the chicken breast if not pre-cooked. If using fresh mixed peppers and onions, sauté them in a skillet until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add broken spaghetti and cook until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, RoTel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and softened cream cheese. Microwave, stirring every minute, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese into the warm sauce until melted and smoothly blended. If the sauce is too thick, thin it by stirring in a little milk or heavy cream to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sautéed peppers and onions into the cheese sauce until all are well coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a casserole dish and spoon the combined mixture inside. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Freeze or Refrigerate (Optional): Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months or refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
- Bake the Casserole: When ready, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Substitute milk for heavy cream to reduce calories or use half-and-half for a balance of creaminess.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
- The casserole freezes well, so it’s a great make-ahead meal.
- For a spicier kick, use hot RoTel or add crushed red pepper flakes.
