Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
If you crave the kind of comfort that only a cheesy, creamy, and just-a-little-spicy casserole can bring, the Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe is calling your name. This beloved Southern staple brings together tender chicken, spaghetti, flavorful RoTel tomatoes, and plenty of melty cheddar, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is a guaranteed hit — and it’s simple enough for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe comes from a handful of kitchen staples that work together to create a creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying dish. Each ingredient adds its own personality, giving you a meal that tastes like home but never gets boring!
- Spaghetti (12 ounces, broken in half): Breaking the pasta makes it easier to scoop and ensures every strand gets coated in sauce.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or diced): Use rotisserie chicken to save time or whip up some quick sautéed chicken breasts or thighs.
- RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies (1 can, undrained): This gives the dish its signature Tex-Mex kick and tangy tomato flavor.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can): Adds rich depth and smooth creaminess to the sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can): Makes the casserole extra creamy and savory, enhancing the chicken flavor.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Thins the sauce just enough so it bakes up moist, never dry.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with warm, savory aroma.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts flavor and blends beautifully with the creamy base.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to round out all the flavors with a gentle spice.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Lends gooey, melty richness throughout and creates a perfect golden crust on top.
- Diced bell pepper (1/2 cup, optional): Brightens up the casserole with crunch and color.
- Diced onion (1/2 cup, optional): Adds sweetness and a savory backbone, especially if you love classic Southern flavor.
- Butter or olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the optional veggies and adding extra richness.
How to Make Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F to get things nice and hot. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a hint of butter or nonstick spray — it’ll make serving and cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to package directions until it’s just al dente. Don’t overcook — you want the noodles to hold up and soak in all the creamy sauce. Drain, set aside, and get ready for the fun part!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies (if using)
If you’re using the bell pepper and onion, heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the veggies and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re softened and fragrant. This step layers in flavor and a little crunch.
Step 4: Mix Up the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked chicken, the entire can of RoTel (juices and all), both soups, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese. Give it all a good stir. Fold in the cooked spaghetti and sautéed veggies, ensuring every noodle is happily coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour your spaghetti and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle that last 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese right over the top — don’t be shy! Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove your Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set up perfectly for serving, so you get beautiful cheesy squares instead of a oozy pile. Dig in while it’s piping hot!
How to Serve Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
Garnishes
A few well-chosen garnishes take your Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe from tasty to truly irresistible. Sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar on top, add a dusting of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for color, or even a handful of crushed buttery crackers for a crunchy finish.
Side Dishes
This comforting casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette, sweet Southern cornbread muffins, or some tender roasted green beans. The mellow sides make the flavors of the chicken spaghetti really shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or big get-togethers, bake the casserole in two smaller dishes so you’re always ready for seconds. Hosting a cozy dinner? Serve Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe straight from a pretty enameled bakeware, with scoops plated family-style alongside plenty of napkins and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe keeps beautifully! Once the dish has cooled, cover tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days — the flavors will continue to meld, making every bite just as comforting as day one.
Freezing
This casserole loves your freezer. Assemble everything right up to baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed until it’s heated through and bubbling.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep it moist, until hot throughout. Individual servings can be reheated in the microwave — just cover to prevent drying out. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese if you want to amp up the gooey factor.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti keeps things classic, any long or short pasta, like linguine, fettuccine, or even penne, will soak up the creamy sauce and bake up deliciously.
What’s the best kind of chicken to use for Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, but any cooked and shredded chicken works well. Even leftover turkey or diced baked chicken breasts or thighs can be used for different flavors.
Is Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe spicy?
The RoTel tomatoes bring a mild warmth, not overwhelming heat. For a little more kick, use hot RoTel or add some diced jalapeños to the filling!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and seek out gluten-free condensed soups to make this casserole celiac-friendly.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
The extra chicken broth in the recipe ensures a moist, creamy casserole. Just be sure not to overbake, and consider covering loosely with foil if your oven runs hot.
Final Thoughts
If creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting are words you love to hear, this Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe is your new dinner hero. One bake and you’ll see why it’s a Southern favorite — simple, satisfying, and uniquely delicious every time. Grab those ingredients, invite over some friends or family, and enjoy making memories with this classic casserole!
Print
Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this hearty Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with chicken, this casserole is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti (broken in half)
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 (10-ounce) can RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, RoTel, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, seasonings, and most of the cheddar cheese. Add sautéed vegetables and spaghetti.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- This casserole freezes well—just cover tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
