This Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a zesty kick from the Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies. The tender chicken and hearty pasta come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
It’s the ultimate one-pot meal that’s simple to make yet loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add extra vegetables or use your favorite pasta for a unique twist!
Full Recipe:
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1 lb chicken breast, cubed
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1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
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1 (8 oz) package spaghetti
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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 small onion, chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, drain, and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add the Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine, heating until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
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Add the cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti, and shredded cheeses to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.
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Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with additional cheese if desired, and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti: A Comfort Food Classic
Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the best of both worlds: creamy, cheesy goodness and a touch of spice. This recipe is a family favorite, combining tender chicken, flavorful Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, and rich cheeses, making it a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
The Origins of Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti
Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is a variation of the beloved chicken spaghetti, a Southern comfort food classic that has been passed down through generations. It’s believed to have originated in the 1950s when Ro-Tel, a brand known for its diced tomatoes and green chilies, became popular for adding a zesty and spicy kick to many dishes. The combination of creamy ingredients like cream cheese and soup, alongside Ro-Tel’s tangy tomatoes, results in a casserole-style dish that’s both rich and bold.
Over time, people began experimenting with different ingredients, and the dish evolved to become a favorite go-to dinner. What makes Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti special is its balance of flavors—rich, creamy cheese, savory chicken, and the perfect amount of heat from the Ro-Tel tomatoes. The dish can be enjoyed by all ages, making it ideal for family meals or casual gatherings.
The Flavor Profile: A Perfect Blend of Comfort and Spice
One of the best things about Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is its flavor profile. The dish is a harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and a spicy kick. The cream cheese and mozzarella cheese create a rich, velvety base that envelops the pasta and chicken, making every bite indulgent and satisfying. The Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies infuse the dish with just the right amount of heat, giving it a zesty undertone without overwhelming the other ingredients. This delicate balance of spice and creaminess is what makes this recipe so beloved by food lovers of all kinds.
The chicken in the dish adds a protein-packed layer of flavor, while the spaghetti gives it substance, turning it into a complete meal. For many, the experience of biting into a spoonful of Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is akin to being wrapped in a warm, comforting hug—perfect for cozy nights in or anytime you need a hearty, feel-good meal.
Why Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is a Versatile Dish
Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is incredibly versatile. While the classic recipe combines chicken, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and cheese, it can easily be modified to suit various dietary preferences or ingredient availability. For example, you can swap out chicken for ground turkey, sausage, or even shrimp to add a different twist to the dish. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a satisfying, meatless version.
In addition to the protein options, you can play around with different types of cheese. While cheddar and mozzarella are the go-to cheeses for this recipe, you can add a bit of gouda, pepper jack, or Parmesan to elevate the flavor and make it your own. Some people also like to include a bit of ranch seasoning or taco seasoning to give the dish an even more robust flavor. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti such a fantastic recipe to personalize!
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the reasons why Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is such a popular dish is because it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in advance. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick and comforting after a long day, but it’s also great for potlucks, family gatherings, or game-day parties. Because it’s a casserole-style dish, it’s easy to make in large batches, ensuring you have enough to feed a crowd. The creamy sauce and tender chicken are sure to be a hit, whether you’re serving a few friends or a whole family.
If you’re hosting a gathering, Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve, and you’ll have a delicious dish that requires minimal effort. This makes it a go-to option for anyone who enjoys cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.
Preparation Tips for the Best Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti
To ensure that your Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, there are a few helpful preparation tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the dish. If using boneless chicken breast, you can sauté it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil for a few minutes until golden brown, ensuring it’s cooked all the way through.
Another tip is to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy once it’s baked. Don’t forget to drain the pasta well before combining it with the other ingredients.
Lastly, be sure to season the dish with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. Ro-Tel tomatoes bring a lot of flavor, but it’s always good to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the dish and bring out the best in the flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti
Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but there are plenty of ways to round out your meal if you’d like. Serve it with a fresh salad to add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. A simple side salad with greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the spaghetti perfectly.
Another great option is to pair it with some garlic bread or crusty rolls. The warm, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, and it adds a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy, cheesy spaghetti. For a touch of heat, you can also serve the dish with a side of jalapeño cornbread or some spicy pickles for an extra kick.
Customizing Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti for Special Diets
One of the great things about Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is its flexibility, making it easy to customize for various dietary needs. For those following a gluten-free diet, simply swap out the traditional pasta for gluten-free spaghetti or another type of gluten-free pasta. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the dish without missing out on its delicious flavors.
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, lower-carb version. These alternatives still provide that pasta-like texture while cutting down on the carbohydrates. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or cauliflower to make the dish even more nutritious without sacrificing taste.
Conclusion: A Comforting Classic That Never Disappoints
Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is a classic comfort food dish that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a touch of spice to create a truly satisfying meal. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or make your own variations, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive family gathering. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a favorite among home cooks and food lovers alike, and its rich, comforting flavors will continue to win over hearts for years to come.
No matter how you customize it, Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and spice. Enjoy making it your own and share it with those you love—you’ll find that it’s a dish everyone will want to keep coming back to.