This chicken spaghetti is quick and full of flavor, thanks to the zesty Rotel tomatoes! It’s a one-pot dish that brings everyone together at dinner time.
You just mix everything in one pot and let it simmer. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the fuss. Who doesn’t love less dishes to wash? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you don’t have chicken, try substituting with canned tuna or even cooked ground turkey for a different twist!
Spaghetti: While spaghetti is classic, feel free to swap it out for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Penne or fusilli also works well for this dish.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes: If you can’t find Rotel, any brand of diced tomatoes works. You can add a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños for that kick.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, consider using cream of chicken or cream of celery. You could even make a homemade version with heavy cream and spices!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can easily swap it with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra spiciness.
How Do You Make the Most Flavorful Sauce?
Creating a rich sauce is all about layering flavors. Start by sautéing your onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant; this forms the base of the dish. Don’t rush this step, as it creates a delicious depth.
- Coat the skillet to prevent sticking and heat it to medium.
- Cook the aromatics for around 3-4 minutes until tender. This will release their natural sweetness.
- Add your canned ingredients and stir to integrate everything together before simmering.
Simmer it all for a few minutes to let those flavors meld before adding the pasta. This makes sure every bite is packed with deliciousness!
Easy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel for Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy chicken spaghetti will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a total of roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (tender but firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
While your spaghetti is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This base helps to build a great flavor for your dish!
3. Add the Cooked Chicken:
Once the onions and garlic are ready, toss in the cooked chicken. Stir to combine everything well so that the chicken gets warmed up and mixed with the flavorful garlic and onions.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now you’re ready to add some deliciousness! Stir in the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes, the can of cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine with the Spaghetti:
After the sauce has simmered for a few minutes, add your drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to ensure that all the noodles are well-coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Add the Cheddar Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted, you can garnish your spaghetti with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor if you’d like. Serve it warm and enjoy this easy, comforting meal!
This dish is creamy and has a slight kick from the Rotel, making it a delightful choice for any family dinner!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the frozen chicken before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, cook it as you normally would before adding to the skillet.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Another option is cream cheese, just make sure to soften it beforehand for easier mixing!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Of course! If you want to amp up the heat, consider adding extra diced green chilies, a splash of hot sauce, or using spicy Rotel tomatoes. You could also throw in red pepper flakes for a kick!
