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Easy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel photo

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel

A creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with shredded chicken and Rotel for a quick crowd-pleasing meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces spaghetti cooked and drained
  • 5 cups chopped cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie
  • 30 ounces Rotel tomatoes and chiles (about 3 cans)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 bunch scallions chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chicken base or 3 bouillon cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 cup crushed Ritz crackers optional, for topping

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Large Pot
  • Microwave-safe Bowl
  • Colander
  • Mixing Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain in a colander and return to the pot.
  3. Chop the cooked chicken and slice the scallions, then add both to the pot with the drained spaghetti.
  4. Place the softened cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave 1–2 minutes until soft enough to stir; alternatively warm gently on the stove.
  5. Add the Rotel (tomatoes and chiles), chicken base, and garlic powder to the softened cream cheese and stir until smooth and combined.
  6. Pour the cheese-Rotel sauce into the pot with the spaghetti, add the shredded cheddar, and stir until everything is evenly coated. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the top if using.
  8. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden; let sit a few minutes before cutting and serving warm.

Notes

  • Cool leftovers before sealing in a container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
  • The casserole can be frozen in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
  • If reheating from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.
  • Remove foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking to brown the top.