Why You’ll Love The Chicken Spaghetti Recipe With Rotel

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, cozy dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel is about to be your new weeknight hero. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right pop of spice thanks to that magical can of Rotel we all keep stashed in the pantry. If you’re looking for another quick meal, check out my Canned Chicken Salad Recipe.

This isn’t one of those complicated, 27-step dinners. Nope—this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel comes together with simple ingredients, minimal prep, and zero stress. It’s perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, and anyone who just wants something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. For another quick and easy meal, check out this Skillet Spaghetti Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel, you won’t need a mile-long grocery list—just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great!)
8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil, for greasing the baking dish

Key Ingredient: Rotel Tomatoes

Rotel is the real MVP in this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel. Those zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies add just the right amount of flavor and kick—no need to chop anything! If you like it extra spicy, go for the hot version. Want it mild? The original or mild Rotel will do the trick.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

Want to switch things up or use what you have on hand? Here are some fun twists:

Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra veggies and crunch.
Swap the cheddar for pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend if you’re craving more heat.
Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn before baking for a little pop of sweetness.
Top with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crispy finish.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if that’s your jam.

No matter how you mix it up, this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel is a winner every single time.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with Rotel

This chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel is as easy as it is delicious. If you can stir, you can make this dish—and you’ll be digging into a cheesy, comforting plate of goodness in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Set your oven to 350°F to warm up. In the meantime, gently coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with either butter or a non-stick spray to keep things from sticking.
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Rotel tomatoes (undrained), cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss until everything is nicely coated.
Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, saving the remaining ½ cup for topping.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and everything is heated through.
Give it a few minutes to settle before you dig in—though it might be hard to resist!

Tips for the Creamiest Pasta

Don’t overcook the spaghetti. Cook it just until al dente so it holds up well in the oven.
Use full-fat soups and real cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Add a splash more broth or a little sour cream if you like your pasta extra saucy.
Stir everything gently but thoroughly to make sure the sauce coats every strand of pasta evenly.

This chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel is comfort food at its best—simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best things about this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel (aside from how darn tasty it is) is how well it holds up for meal prep, leftovers, and busy nights when you just want to pop something in the oven and call it dinner.

Make-Ahead Tips

Assemble it in advance: You can fully mix and layer everything in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Planning ahead? This dish freezes beautifully. Just put it together, but don’t bake it yet. Cover it well—first with plastic wrap, then with foil—and pop it in the freezer. It’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake it like you normally would.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftovers of your chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat: A quick zap in the microwave works fine for individual servings, or pop it in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes if you’re warming up a larger portion.
When reheating, toss in a little broth or milk to restore that creamy, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.

This meal tastes just as amazing the next day—maybe even better (there’s something about that cheesy pasta!). So why not make extra? Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use different pasta for this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can swap it out for any pasta you prefer—penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta all work great. Make sure the pasta is firm to the bite before adding it to the sauce—it should be cooked but not too soft.

2. Can I make this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel without Rotel tomatoes?

If you’re not a fan of the spice or don’t have Rotel on hand, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add your own green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to adjust the heat. You won’t get the exact same flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!

3. How can I make this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel even spicier?

For those who like a little extra kick, try using the Hot Rotel instead of the original or mild. You can also add chopped jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat!

4. Can I use rotisserie chicken in this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a total game-changer for this recipe—it saves you time and adds extra flavor. Just shred or chop it up and toss it in with the other ingredients.

5. How can I make this chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel healthier?

To make it a bit lighter, you can swap the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups for reduced-fat or healthier versions. You can also use whole wheat pasta and reduce the cheese a little. It’ll still taste amazing!