Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel: Cheesy Tex-Mex Casserole

This cheesy chicken spaghetti with RoTel is a family favorite—loaded with gooey cheddar, tender chicken, and diced tomatoes with green chiles for a little southwestern kick. It’s simple to make, comes together in about 30 minutes, and freezes nicely for easy weeknight meals or busy back-to-school evenings.

🎥 Video: How to make chicken spaghetti

Watch the short video to see how this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings. See the storage notes below for freezing and reheating tips.

🧾 Ingredients notes

Use cooked, boneless chicken breasts or thighs—both work well. Leftover rotisserie chicken or even holiday turkey are great substitutions. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of asparagus will work, or you can substitute a simple homemade white sauce. In the ingredient photo below the label should read CREAM CHEESE (not sour cream).

📖 Recipe

Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel

Classic chicken spaghetti with tender chicken, spaghetti, cheese, and RoTel tomatoes. Quick prep, done in 30 minutes, and makes a make-ahead, freezable casserole.

Course Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine American – Southern

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings:8

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded (more if desired)
• 16 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 21.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (two 10.75-ounce cans)
• 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (RoTel)
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided (about 12 ounces)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 cup frozen peppers and onions mix, or diced fresh

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken breast, then dice or shred it and set aside.
2. If using fresh onions and peppers, sauté them in a little olive oil or butter until soft.
3. Break the spaghetti into 2-inch pieces and cook in boiling, salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
4. In a microwave-safe dish, combine the cream of chicken soup, RoTel, and cream cheese.
5. Heat in the microwave, stirring every minute, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Thin with a little milk or cream if needed.
6. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded Cheddar until melted and smooth.
7. Add the chicken, cooked pasta, and peppers/onions to the cheese mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
8. Spoon the mixture into a greased 13×9-inch casserole dish and top with the remaining 1 cup shredded Cheddar.
9. You can cover and freeze the casserole for up to 3 months (place plastic or parchment over the top before sealing with foil to prevent a metallic taste), or refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese has melted.
11. Let stand about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool slightly, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips

• Place plastic wrap, parchment, or waxed paper directly over the casserole before sealing with aluminum foil to keep the tomatoes’ acidity from reacting with the foil.
• If you prefer, skip baking and serve the finished mixture straight from a skillet—stir until warm and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 688 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 56 g |
Protein: 41 g

Nutrition information is an estimate. If you need exact values for medical purposes, verify with your preferred nutrition calculator.

This recipe has been tested multiple times. Substitutions or changes to technique may alter the outcome.

🍽️ Perfect pairings: what to serve with chicken spaghetti

Keep sides simple: a crisp green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or skillet corn all complement this rich casserole. For dessert, classic Southern treats like fried pies or a light cobbler round out the meal.

Dinner plans solved!

📚 Related recipes

• Taco Spaghetti — creamy, flavorful, and all done in one pot.
• Million Dollar Spaghetti — a lasagna-like casserole made much simpler.
• Crack Chicken Spaghetti — an over-the-top, extra-decadent version of this classic.

🍲 Southern casserole culture

Homemade chicken spaghetti is the kind of casserole that delivers comfort: creamy, rich, and cheesy. This particular recipe wasn’t an heirloom from my mother but a generous neighbor’s gift during a hectic season of life. She brought a foil-covered pan to my door one afternoon when I was overwhelmed and exhausted.

That single, comforting dish changed my entire day—reminding me how a simple act of kindness and a warm meal can lift someone’s spirits and make the week easier. That’s the heart of Southern casserole culture: food that feeds both body and soul.