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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Published: Jun 10, 2023 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income from ads.

    Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you love pasta, here's a unique recipe that includes a cheesy, creamy, spicy sauce with tender chicken. Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta is the ultimate comfort food. It's a crowd-pleasing, rich and satisfying pasta dish that's easy to make. The best part of all, you control how spicy it is depending on the variety of canned Rotel you use.

    A large spoon, scooping up a serving a chicken spaghetti from a baking dish.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Rotel Options
    • Ingredients to Have on Hand
    • The Convenience of Velveeta
    • How to Make the Cheesy Sauce
    • Stovetop or Oven Method
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips for Cooking Pasta
    • How to Adjust the Creaminess
    • Add-Ins for Chicken Spaghetti
    • Storage
    • More Recipes for Dinner
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Spaghetti and chicken are such a terrific combination. This recipe is easy to make, whether you serve it from the saucepan on the stove or from a baking dish after it bakes in the oven.

    It's great to have a dinner recipe with options!

    Speaking of options, you control the amount of heat or spiciness by choosing the variety of canned Rotel tomatoes that suits your family's preference for spicy heat.

    Rotel Options

    Rotel is a brand name for diced tomatoes with green chilies, or depending on the spicy factor, habanero chilies. Choose a variety of Rotel that will suit your family's preference for spice.

    Three cans of Rotel lined up on a cutting board. Each a different variety for spiciness.

    The first time I made Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta, I used the original variety of Rotel. It was very tasty, but my family likes a little more spice. So now I use the "hot" variety when I make this recipe. And hot means hot, there's a distinctive spicy kick to the cheese sauce when we use the hot variety of Rotel.

    Here are the different varieties of Rotel canned tomatoes and my personal rating on the level of heat in each variety:

    • Mild - No heat, just the subtle taste of mild green chiles. This might be the best choice for young children who may not like the heat that comes with spicy food. One small "spice" step above regular diced tomatoes.
    • Original - Very subtle, mild spicy flavor, most folks who like just a small amount of spicy heat will enjoy this. It's similar to mild salsa.
    • Hot - Big spicy flavor and just enough heat to elevate the cheese sauce. If your family likes spicy food, this is the variety of Rotel for you. I would liken this to a hot salsa.
    • Fire Roasted - This is a fairly new variety of Rotel canned tomatoes. Truth be told, I haven't used fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes to make this recipe yet but will update this post once I've tried it. I have a feeling it's going to be a tasty option which is why I've included it here.

    Ingredients to Have on Hand

    Ingredients for chicken spaghetti with Velveeta and Rotel spread out on a wooden plank.

    It's incredibly easy to make Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta. Here's what you need to have ready:

    • Spaghetti
    • Cooked chicken
    • Velveeta
    • Rotel, canned tomatoes with green chiles
    • Cream of Chicken or Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • Chicken broth
    • Cream cheese
    • Cheddar cheese, optional for topping
    • Green onions, optional for topping

    See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    This is also an excellent recipe to make if you have about a half package of leftover, cooked spaghetti on hand. (Maybe leftover from a night after serving Sunday Gravy with homemade meatballs.)

    The Convenience of Velveeta

    I don't cook with Velveeta every day, in fact, there's just one other recipe here on the food blog, besides this one, that uses it - Cheesy Grits. But it's one of those ingredients that offers consistent, delicious flavor.

    After opening Velvetta, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 8 weeks. Simply wrap it with either plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a sealed plastic bag to ensure it stays fresh. Having plenty of time to enjoy an entire 2-pound block of Velveeta makes it a great ingredient to have on hand between recipes.

    When it comes to creating an ultra-smooth cheese sauce, I believe Velveeta creates a silky sauce like no other ingredient. Is it indulgent? Yes. Do I love it for this recipe? Yes, 100%.

    Velveeta, creamed soup, cream cheese and Rotel in a pot on the stove.

    How to Make the Cheesy Sauce

    The cheese sauce for this recipe is simple. Combine the following ingredients in a large saucepan on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-low and watch the magic happen as the ingredients melt together.

    • 1 pound Velveeta cheese
    • 1 can cream of chicken and mushroom soup - or use either cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1 can of Rotel - you choose the variety for how spicy you like it
    • 4 ounces of cream cheese
    • 1 teaspoon pepper

    You control the creaminess of the cheese sauce. If you like it extra creamy, add two cans of cream of chicken and mushroom soup.

    Velveeta cheese sauce in a pan on the stove.

    Nothing melts better than Velveeta cheese and it creates a luscious cheese sauce that complements the savory chicken and tender spaghetti pasta. If you prefer a Velveeta cheese sauce that's less rich, and less creamy, leave the cream cheese out of the recipe.

    Stovetop or Oven Method

    There are two great options for preparing this recipe. The stovetop method makes this a classic one-pot meal. The baking option gives Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta a wonderful "mac and cheese" style texture and flavor.

    Stovetop Option: After the cheese sauce ingredients melt, stir in the cooked pasta and heat over medium-low heat until the pasta is hot and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Top with shredded cheese and diced onions before serving.

    Baking Option: Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 13" x 9" baking dish with Pam, or grease with shortening. Spread the ingredients from the saucepan - the cheese sauce with the cooked spaghetti and chicken - into the dish and bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

    Although the stovetop version gets dinner on the table a little faster, I love how the flavors combine and how the cheese sauce sticks to the spaghetti after baking it in the oven.

    Chicken spaghetti in a sauce pan on the stove.

    Recipe FAQs

    Why Velveeta cheese?

    Velveeta has a mild taste that enhances the creamed soup, the savory chicken, and the spicy Rotel. But it's the unparalleled melty texture in a Velveeta cheese sauce that makes this a must-have ingredient for Chicken Spaghetti.

    Can I use a different shape of pasta?

    Sure! Although, since this is called chicken spaghetti it might lead to some confusion at the dinner table. Regardless of the shape of the pasta you use, just be sure not to overcook it before blending it with the cheese sauce.

    Tips for Cooking Pasta

    The key to the pasta turning out perfect for Chicken Spaghetti is to use pasta that hasn't been overcooked, you want it to be "al dente" which means still slightly firm when you take a bite, but not hard and not overly chewy.

    Heat a medium-sized saucepan full of water to a rolling boil. Add about a teaspoon of salt, then the uncooked spaghetti noodles.

    Set the timer for 8-9 minutes. You want the pasta to be cooked, but not completely softened. Al dente.

    Cooked spaghetti in a bowl.

    As an option, use leftover, cooked spaghetti for this recipe. That's my favorite way to use leftover pasta after serving spaghetti with sauce the night before or earlier in the week. Place unused, cooked spaghetti in an air-tight container or a sealed, plastic storage bag and refrigerate until you are ready to make Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta.

    How to Adjust the Creaminess

    You also control the creaminess of the cheese sauce. If you like it extra creamy, add two cans of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup.

    Chicken spaghetti with cheesy sauce on top in a baking dish.

    If you prefer a Velveeta cheese sauce that's less rich, use one can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup and leave the cream cheese out of the recipe.

    Add-Ins for Chicken Spaghetti

    It's easy to make Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta a one-pan meal. Choose one or two of the ingredients listed below and you're on your way to a well-rounded meal. To ensure the vegetables are cooked sufficiently, I recommend steaming or cooking them until they are about half cooked before stirring them into the cheesy sauce, spaghetti and chicken.

    A spoon dishing up chicken spaghetti from a baking dish.

    Stir in one cup of any combination of the following veggies either before baking the chicken spaghetti or before the final cooking time on the stove - if you are using that method:

    • Sliced, fresh mushrooms
    • Chopped broccoli steamed or cooked slightly to soften the stems
    • Diced asparagus, cooked for a few minutes to soften
    • Diced red or green peppers
    • Diced carrots, cooked for a few minutes before adding to the baking dish

    Storage

    Storing Leftovers: Chicken Spaghetti leftovers are a winner! I think this recipe even gets better with age. I love serving leftovers for lunch a day or two after baking it.

    Here's how to keep it fresh. After baking, let the leftovers cool then cover the baking dish with foil, or scoop the leftovers into an air-tight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days.

    Freeze and Bake Later: This recipe can also be frozen and baked up to 2 months later. No need to bake it before freezing.

    After combining all the ingredients, either spoon the chicken spaghetti into two or three freezer-safe dishes or disposable foil baking pans or place the entire amount into one freezer-safe dish.

    Spread 1-2 cups of grated cheddar cheese on top of each dish, then cover with two layers of aluminum foil and place in the freezer. To defrost, remove the dish from the freezer and let sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Bake according to the recipe.

    A large spoon, scooping up a serving a chicken spaghetti from a baking dish.

    In the mood for more pasta recipes? Here are two family favorites. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is one of the most popular recipes on the Crinkled Cookbook and Spicy Chicken Alfredo was inspired by a tasty restaurant entree.

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    If you tried this Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below.

    Recipe

    A large spoon, scooping up a serving a chicken spaghetti from a baking dish.

    Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta

    Delicious, crowd-pleasing comfort food. This recipe combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a mouthwatering blend of creamy, cheesy and spicy flavors. Love meat and cheese together? Here are 10 Dinner Recipes with Meat and Cheese! Serve with Mixed Bean Salad for a delicious meal or choose from some of my favorite potluck side dishes.
    5 from 206 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 675kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Ingredients 

    • 3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded - about 4 cups of chicken, a fully cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a great option
    • 8 ounces spaghetti - half of a 16 ounce package, cooked

    Sauce Ingredients

    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1 can cream of mushroom and chicken soup - Or use one can of either cream of mushrom or cream of chicken soup
    • 1 10 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles, Rotel - use whichever variety has a spice level you prefer: mild, original or hot
    • 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed - about 2 cups
    • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
    • 1 teaspoon pepper

    Topping

    • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded - optional
    • ½ cup diced green onions - optional

    Instructions

    • Cook chicken or purchase a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Remove skin and bones and chop meat. You’ll need about 4 cups of cooked chicken.
    • Cook spaghetti according to the package directions, approximately 10 minutes in boiling water. Drain the pasta set it aside.
    • Using the same saucepan, combine the chicken broth, Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, 1 can of creamed soup (cream of chicken, cream of mushroom or creamy of mushroom chicken) Rotel tomatoes and pepper in a medium-sized saucepan on the stove.
    • Over medium heat, stir gently until the sauce ingredients melt and blend together to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and the diced or shredded cooked chicken.
    • Stovetop Option: After the ingredients melt and create the cheese sauce, stir in the cooked pasta and chicken and heat over medium-low heat until the pasta is hot and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Top with shredded cheese and diced onions before serving. Scoop up right from the saucepan.
    • Baking Option: Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 13" x 9" baking dish with Pam, or grease with shortening. Spread the ingredients from the saucepan (cheese sauce, spaghetti and chicken) into the dish and bake, uncovered for 30 minutes. If you'd like to add the optional toppings, remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese and diced green onions on top. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the shredded cheese is melted and the spaghetti and cheese sauce is hot and bubbly.

    Notes

    Cook time in the recipe card was calculated for the baking option. The cooking time will vary depending on whether the spaghetti is leftover or if the cooked chicken is prepped a day ahead. Cooking time will be less if served from the stovetop. 
    Calories: 675kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 60gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 2147mgPotassium: 707mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1326IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 804mgIron: 2mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database, so they’re just a rough estimate not an exact science.

    Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below or @crinkledcookbook on Instagram, snap a photo and tag it #crinkledcookbook

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    Comments

      5 from 206 votes (197 ratings without comment)

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    1. Cindy Coleman says

      April 05, 2025 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        April 05, 2025 at 6:05 pm

        Thank you Cindy. I appreciate you coming back and leaving such an enthusiastic, five star rating for chicken spaghetti with rotel!

        Reply
    2. Mary Webb says

      March 27, 2025 at 5:34 pm

      5 stars
      I love this dish. I've been making it for years. I like to use onion, celery, and bell pepper sautéed. I often use cream of celery soup, just whatever I have. It's always a hit at potluck meals!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        March 27, 2025 at 6:10 pm

        Thank you for coming back and leaving such a nice comment, Mary. I agree chicken spaghetti with rotel is ALWAYS a hit at potlucks! I appreciate the five star rating too!!

        Reply
    3. Debbie says

      January 27, 2025 at 4:02 pm

      Can this be doubled?

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        January 27, 2025 at 4:45 pm

        Hi Debbie, Yes! Or even tripled. Right above the ingredients for the recipe are boxes that display 1x, 2x, 3x. Click the box and the ingredients will adjust accordingly. 🙂

        Reply
    4. DK says

      January 11, 2025 at 5:22 pm

      I've made this recipe twice. It is my Moms favorite. It is very cheesy.

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        January 11, 2025 at 6:20 pm

        Hello! I'm happy to hear you Mom enjoys Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel! Thank you for coming back and leaving such a nice comment. I appreciate it.

        Reply
    5. Jean says

      May 22, 2024 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      Made recipe as directed - except I added crushed corn chips to add crunch to the dish. Baked 30 minutes then added the green onion and shredded cheese. Baked another 5 minutes or so. The taste was wonderful. No extra seasoning was needed. We loved it!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        May 23, 2024 at 7:30 am

        That's wonderful Jean! Thank you for the five star rating and I'm glad the crunchy corn chips were a tasty addition.

        Reply
    6. Brandi L Massey says

      January 26, 2024 at 10:57 am

      5 stars
      OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        January 26, 2024 at 4:55 pm

        Hi Brandi, Thank you for the enthusiastic five star rating for chicken spaghetti with rotel!

        Reply
    7. Jerika says

      June 15, 2023 at 8:16 am

      I love pasta!:) I love how creamy and cheesy this Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta is, one of my comfort foods already. Thanks!

      Reply
    8. Nicole NKNicole Kendrick says

      June 14, 2023 at 7:31 pm

      5 stars
      I love the combination of rotelle and Velveeta in this recipe. My entire family enjoyed it.

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        June 14, 2023 at 8:03 pm

        Glad to hear it Nicole! Thanks for the five star rating.

        Reply
    9. Stephanie says

      June 14, 2023 at 4:03 am

      5 stars
      Such a flavorful and comforting dish! I had not cooked with Velveeta in years and forgot how simple it is to use. This chicken spaghetti is one of those dishes the kids will ask for often.

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        June 14, 2023 at 8:00 am

        Thanks Stephanie, I agree, Velveeta is simple to use, store and enjoy in our recipes.

        Reply
    10. Mary says

      June 14, 2023 at 12:02 am

      5 stars
      Loved this casserole. Hubby didn't even realize he was eating green chilies. 🙂

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        June 14, 2023 at 7:59 am

        Thanks Mary! Mild Rotel is pretty sneaky with those green chiles. (I'm guessing that's what you used?) Not too much spice at all.:)

        Reply
    11. Alexandra says

      June 13, 2023 at 11:23 pm

      5 stars
      We love an easy and delicious baked pasta, and this one is just so good. Packed full of flavour, cheesy and so tasty. A family favourite for sure!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        June 14, 2023 at 7:57 am

        Thanks Alexandra!

        Reply
    12. Natalie Perry says

      June 13, 2023 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is incredibly delicious I can’t get enough!

      Reply
      • Melinda O'Malley Keckler says

        June 14, 2023 at 8:01 am

        Thanks Natalie!

        Reply

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