There’s something magical about a warm, cheesy casserole straight out of the oven, and this Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel hits all the right notes! It’s creamy, loaded with tender shredded chicken, packed with melty cheese, and has just the right amount of spice from Ro-Tel tomatoes. This is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table – whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or taking it to a potluck.
If you love comfort food that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying, then this recipe is about to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy Goodness – With a rich homemade sauce, cheddar, and mozzarella, this dish is a cheese lover’s dream.
- A Little Kick of Spice – Thanks to Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, you get a bold, slightly spicy flavor that makes this dish extra special.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – It reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re serving kids or adults, this dish is a guaranteed hit!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this delicious baked chicken spaghetti:
Main Ingredients:
✔️ 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
✔️ 16 oz. thin spaghetti
✔️ 4 tablespoons butter
✔️ 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
✔️ 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
✔️ 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
✔️ 1 ½ cups chicken broth
✔️ ¾ cup milk
✔️ 4 oz. cream cheese
✔️ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
✔️ 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Ro-Tel)
✔️ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
✔️ 1 teaspoon dried basil
✔️ Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
✔️ 1 (15 oz.) can of cream soup (or 2 cups homemade Cream Soup Substitute)
This list might look long, but trust me – each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the thin spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s al dente – you want it tender but still firm enough to hold up in the casserole.
Pro Tip: Be sure not to overcook the pasta since it will continue baking in the oven! Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the pasta is cooking, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for our creamy sauce!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the onions and garlic are beautifully sautéed, sprinkle 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mixture. Whisk constantly for about a minute – this step helps thicken the sauce.
Slowly pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth and ¾ cup of milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Let the mixture cook until it’s smooth and slightly thickened.
At this point, you’re already on your way to an amazing, creamy, flavorful sauce!
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Goodness
Time to bring in the rich, creamy goodness! Stir in:
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (15 oz.) can of cream soup (or homemade substitute)
Continue stirring until everything is melted and fully combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This sauce should be thick, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel
Now that we’ve made our creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s time to bring everything together and bake this delicious casserole to perfection. This is the part where all the flavors meld, and that golden, bubbly cheese on top creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
If you’re ready for a flavor-packed, cheesy, and slightly spicy chicken spaghetti bake, let’s get to the next steps!
Step 6: Combine Everything
Now comes the fun part—bringing all the ingredients together for the perfect baked pasta dish.
- Add the shredded chicken and Ro-Tel tomatoes (with their juices) directly into the creamy sauce.
- Stir well to coat everything in that rich, cheesy mixture.
- Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, tossing until every strand is evenly coated.
At this point, the dish already smells amazing, and you might be tempted to eat it straight from the skillet! But trust me, baking it takes it to a whole new level.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese to create that irresistible, melty crust.
- Sprinkle dried basil on top for a touch of extra flavor.
Time to Bake!
- Place the dish in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
Pro Tip: If you like a crispy, cheesy topping, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole comes out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and ensures every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it with:
✔️ A fresh green salad for a crisp contrast
✔️ Garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the extra sauce
✔️ Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for a balanced plate
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti
✅ Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – A store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this dish extra quick and easy. Just shred it and you’re good to go!
✅ Make It Spicier (If You Dare!) – Love a little more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot Ro-Tel instead of the original.
✅ Customize the Cheese – Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but you can swap in pepper jack for extra spice or Colby-Jack for a richer taste.
✅ Make It Ahead of Time – You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready, bake it as directed (adding a few extra minutes if it’s straight from the fridge).
✅ Freezer-Friendly – This casserole freezes well! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel
By now, your Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel is baked to golden, bubbly perfection, and your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. But before you dig in, let’s go over some of the most common questions about this recipe—plus a few final thoughts to make sure your casserole turns out perfect every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While thin spaghetti works best for this dish, you can substitute it with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if you prefer shorter noodles. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
2. What can I use instead of canned cream soup?
If you want to skip the canned soup, you can make a simple homemade cream soup substitute by whisking together:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk or chicken broth
Cook over medium heat until thickened, then use it as a direct replacement in the recipe.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
5. How can I make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version:
- Use whole wheat pasta or a low-carb noodle alternative
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt
- Use reduced-fat cheese
- Replace canned soup with a homemade version using lower-fat milk
6. What can I add to make this even heartier?
You can mix in:
- Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies
- Crumbled bacon for a smoky, crispy topping
- Chopped jalapeños if you like more heat
- Crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish
7. What can I serve with this casserole?
Since this dish is rich and cheesy, it pairs well with:
- A light green salad
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel is the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy. It’s creamy, cheesy, just the right amount of spicy, and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and incredibly versatile.
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Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel is the perfect creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy comfort food! A baked pasta dish loaded with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and the bold flavors of Ro-Tel tomatoes. Great for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
✅ 2 cups shredded chicken
✅ 4 tablespoons butter
✅ 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
✅ 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
✅ 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
✅ 1 ½ cups chicken broth
✅ ¾ cup milk
✅ 4 oz. cream cheese
✅ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
✅ 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Ro-Tel)
✅ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
✅ 16 oz. thin spaghetti
✅ 1 teaspoon dried basil
✅ Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
✅ 1 (15 oz.) can of cream soup (or 2 cups homemade Cream Soup Substitute)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the thin spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, whisking constantly. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Add the Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the cream soup, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6️⃣ Combine Everything: Fold in the shredded chicken and Ro-Tel tomatoes. Pour the sauce over the cooked spaghetti, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
7️⃣ Assemble & Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese and dried basil. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired!
Notes
💡 Want more spice? Add 1 teaspoon chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce.
💡 Make it ahead! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
💡 Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
