Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel: A Comforting Casserole with a Kick 🍗🍅🧀

A Cheesy, Flavorful Twist on Classic Chicken Spaghetti

If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal with a little bit of spice, this Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel is the perfect dish! This creamy, cheesy casserole is packed with tender shredded chicken, a rich homemade sauce, and just the right amount of heat from Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies.

Not only is this easy to make, but it’s also a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekend dinners. With melted mozzarella on top and a creamy, savory sauce coating every strand of spaghetti, this dish is pure comfort food.

Let’s get started on this simple and delicious Chicken Spaghetti Casserole!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

This easy chicken spaghetti is made with basic pantry staples but delivers big flavor!

What You’ll Need:

🍗 2 cups shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken or cooked, shredded chicken breasts.
🧈 4 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
🧅 1 small yellow onion, finely diced – Brings sweetness and depth.
🧄 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced – A must for extra flavor!
🌾 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
🍗 1½ cups chicken broth – Provides a savory base for the sauce.
🥛 ¾ cup milk – Makes the sauce creamy and smooth.
🧀 4 oz. cream cheese – Adds extra creaminess.
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – A rich, melty addition.
🍅 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel (diced tomatoes & green chilies) – The secret ingredient that gives this dish its signature Tex-Mex flavor!
🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – The perfect gooey topping.
🍝 16 oz. thin spaghetti – Holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil – Adds a hint of herby freshness.
🧂 Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste – Brings out all the flavors.
🥣 1 (15 oz.) can of cream soup (or 2 cups homemade Cream Soup Substitute) – The key to an extra thick and creamy sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti 🍝

Before we make the rich, cheesy sauce, let’s cook the spaghetti so it’s ready to go when we need it.

How to Cook the Pasta:

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Add 16 oz. of thin spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3️⃣ Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.

📌 Pro Tip: Toss the drained spaghetti with a little bit of butter or olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish 🏺

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and help create that golden, bubbly top layer when baked.

📌 Pro Tip: If you love extra crispy, cheesy edges, use a ceramic or glass baking dish instead of metal.

Now that our spaghetti is cooked and our baking dish is ready, it’s time to make the rich, creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together. This step is where the magic happens—buttery onions, garlic, and a cheesy sauce infused with Ro-Tel tomatoes and spices come together to create the ultimate comfort food.

Let’s keep going!

Step 4: Sauté the Onions & Garlic 🧅🧄

To build a deep, savory flavor, we’ll start by sautéing the onions and garlic in butter.

How to Sauté the Aromatics:

1️⃣ In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
3️⃣ Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

📌 Pro Tip: Sautéing the onions until they are soft and slightly golden enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce 🧀✨

Now, it’s time to make the lusciously creamy sauce that coats every bite of this chicken spaghetti.

How to Make the Sauce:

1️⃣ Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of flour over the cooked onions and garlic, whisking constantly to combine. This will help thicken the sauce.
2️⃣ Gradually pour in 1½ cups of chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
3️⃣ Stir in ¾ cup milk, continuing to whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Add 1 can (15 oz.) of cream soup (or homemade substitute) and stir until fully blended.
5️⃣ Mix in 4 oz. cream cheese and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
6️⃣ Season with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried basil for added flavor.

📌 Pro Tip: Keep the heat on low while adding the cheese to prevent it from curdling or becoming grainy.

Step 6: Add the Chicken & Ro-Tel 🍗🍅

With the sauce perfectly creamy and smooth, it’s time to add in the key ingredients that give this dish its bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavor!

How to Incorporate the Chicken & Tomatoes:

1️⃣ Fold in 2 cups of shredded chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated in the sauce.
2️⃣ Stir in 1 (10 oz.) can of Ro-Tel (diced tomatoes & green chilies) to add a delicious kick of spice and extra flavor.

📌 Pro Tip: If you prefer a milder dish, use mild Ro-Tel instead of the original version. Want extra heat? Go for the hot Ro-Tel! 🔥

Step 7: Mix the Sauce with the Pasta 🍝

Now that all the flavors are blended into the sauce, it’s time to combine everything with the cooked spaghetti.

How to Coat the Pasta:

1️⃣ Add the cooked and drained spaghetti into the skillet with the creamy sauce.
2️⃣ Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and every bite is packed with flavor.
3️⃣ If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.

📌 Pro Tip: Mixing the pasta before baking ensures every bite is flavorful and cheesy!

Step 8: Assemble the Casserole 🏺

With everything mixed together, it’s time to transfer the cheesy spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish.

How to Assemble:

1️⃣ Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2️⃣ Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that perfect golden, bubbly crust.
3️⃣ For extra flavor, sprinkle with a little more dried basil or freshly cracked black pepper.

📌 Pro Tip: Want an even crispier top? Add a handful of crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a little crunch!

Your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is assembled and ready to bake! Now it’s time to pop it in the oven, let the cheese get bubbly and golden, and serve up this creamy, comforting dish. Plus, we’ll go over storage tips, reheating instructions, and answer common questions to make sure your meal turns out perfect every time.

Let’s finish this dish!

Step 9: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly 🧀🔥

Now that the casserole is assembled, it’s time to bake it to cheesy perfection!

How to Bake the Chicken Spaghetti Casserole:

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) (if you haven’t already).
2️⃣ Place the casserole dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until:

• The cheese is melted and golden brown.
• The sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  3️⃣ Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

📌 Pro Tip: If you love an extra crispy, cheesy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy! 🍽️

Now comes the best part—digging in! This creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy chicken spaghetti is a meal on its own, but you can also pair it with some delicious sides for a complete dinner.

Best Sides for Chicken Spaghetti:

✔ Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
✔ Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness of the dish.
✔ Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
✔ Steamed Broccoli – Adds color and freshness to your plate.

📌 Pro Tip: Garnish your pasta with chopped parsley, extra cheddar cheese, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation!

Storage & Reheating Tips 🥡🔥

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them so they stay just as creamy and delicious.

How to Store Leftovers:

🥶 Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Reheat:

🔥 Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
🔥 Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
🔥 Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

📌 Pro Tip: If the pasta looks dry after refrigerating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth while reheating to bring back the creamy texture!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓🍝

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to take off the chill, then bake as directed.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While thin spaghetti works best, you can substitute with:
✔ Penne – Holds up well in creamy sauces.
✔ Rotini or Fusilli – Great for capturing all that cheesy goodness.
✔ Elbow Macaroni – For a fun, mac-and-cheese-like texture.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! If you love extra heat, try these spicy upgrades:
🔥 Use hot Ro-Tel instead of the regular version.
🔥 Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
🔥 Stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a bolder kick.

4. What can I use instead of canned cream soup?

If you prefer a homemade version, substitute with 2 cups of a homemade cream soup alternative by whisking together:
✔ 2 tablespoons butter
✔ 2 tablespoons flour
✔ 1 cup milk
✔ 1 cup chicken broth

Cook over medium heat until thickened, then use in place of canned cream soup.

5. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver. Just shred it and stir it into the sauce before mixing with the pasta.

Final Thoughts: A Family Favorite with Bold, Cheesy Flavor! 🧀🔥

This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel is a classic, comforting casserole that’s loaded with tender chicken, melty cheese, and a little spice from the Ro-Tel tomatoes. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep—and it always disappears fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ Easy to Make – Simple steps, big flavors!
✅ Cheesy & Creamy – The ultimate comfort food.
✅ Slightly Spicy – The Ro-Tel adds the perfect kick.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Freezes and reheats beautifully.
✅ Customizable – Adjust the spice level or switch up the pasta.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, satisfying dinner, this chicken spaghetti casserole is a must-try!

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you add any special twists or serve it with a fun side? I’d love to hear!

🍝🧀🔥 Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! 💕

Print