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Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

This creamy pasta bake combines tender rotisserie chicken and spaghetti in a rich cheese sauce with Rotel tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it can be made ahead and frozen.

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Fatiha
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:06:26 GMT
A close-up of creamy pasta being lifted with chopsticks from a bowl. Pin it
A close-up of creamy pasta being lifted with chopsticks from a bowl. | zestplate.com

Need a dinner win? This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is my family's favorite comfort food! I grab a rotisserie chicken to make it super easy, then mix it with creamy soup, lots of cheese, and a can of ROTEL for a kick. The whole dish comes together in no time and everyone always asks for seconds.

Why We Love This Dish

This casserole hits all the right notes - creamy, cheesy, with just enough spice from the ROTEL to keep things interesting. The sour cream makes everything extra rich, and there's never any leftovers. It's my go-to when I need to feed a crowd or want something cozy for dinner.

What You'll Need

  • Spaghetti: Cook it just right - still firm to bite.
  • The Creamy Stuff: Grab cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
  • Secret Kick: ROTEL - pick your heat level!
  • Extra Flavor: Some chicken broth makes it perfect.
  • Lots of Cheese: I love using Mexican blend.
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
  • The Meat: Rotisserie chicken saves so much time.
  • Fresh Touch: Parsley if you're feeling fancy.

Let's Get Cooking

Pasta First
Get your water boiling and cook that spaghetti until it's just done - not too soft! Give it a drain and set it aside.
Make It Saucy
In your biggest pot, mix up your soup, ROTEL (don't drain it!), sour cream, and broth. Stir in half your cheese and all your seasonings until it's nice and smooth.
Bring It Together
Drop in your pasta and that shredded chicken. Give everything a good mix - you want all that pasta coated in creamy goodness.
Bake It Up
Pour it all into a greased 9x13 pan, top with the rest of your cheese, and cover with foil. Into a 350°F oven for 20 minutes, then uncover for another 5-10 until it's all bubbly and golden.

My Best Tips

Don't overcook your pasta - it'll keep cooking in the oven. Start with mild ROTEL if you're not sure about the heat. Want extra crunch? Crush up some Ritz crackers on top before baking. My kids love it that way!

A creamy pasta dish topped with fresh parsley and black pepper, displayed in a white baking dish. Pin it
A creamy pasta dish topped with fresh parsley and black pepper, displayed in a white baking dish. | zestplate.com

Save Some For Later

This keeps great in the fridge for about 4 days. Just pop it in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Want to freeze some? Make the whole thing but don't bake it - wrap it up tight and it'll keep for 3 months.

Make It A Meal

We love this with a big green salad on the side. Some garlic bread for soaking up that sauce is never a bad idea either. Last week I roasted some broccoli to go with it - even the kids ate their vegetables!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, prepare without cheese topping and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

→ Why cook pasta al dente?

Al dente pasta prevents casserole from becoming mushy as it continues cooking in the oven.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Any melting cheese works - cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Italian blend are good options.

→ Why undiluted soup?

Using undiluted soup creates proper sauce consistency. Don't add water to the soup.

→ Can I make it ahead?

Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to bake time if cold.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

A comforting pasta casserole combining spaghetti, rotisserie chicken, and creamy cheese sauce with a kick from Rotel tomatoes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 12 ounces spaghetti.
02 2 (10 oz) cans cream of chicken soup.
03 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes.
04 1 cup sour cream.
05 1/4 cup chicken broth.
06 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided.
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
08 1 teaspoon onion powder.
09 1/2 teaspoon salt.
10 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
11 Pinch red pepper flakes.
12 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken.
13 Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F and spray 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Cook spaghetti to al dente according to package directions, then drain.

Step 03

Mix soups, Rotel, sour cream, broth, 1 cup cheese and seasonings in pasta pot.

Step 04

Fold cooked pasta and shredded chicken into the sauce mixture.

Step 05

Transfer to prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.

Step 06

Cover with nonstick foil and bake 20 minutes until bubbly.

Step 07

Uncover and bake additional 5-10 minutes until cheese browns.

Step 08

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  1. Freezer friendly.
  2. Make ahead option.
  3. Great for busy weeknights.
  4. Uses rotisserie chicken.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Large pot.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, sour cream).
  • Wheat (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 454
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 24 g