Chіcken Spаghetti with Ro-Tel is a dish that lots of folks down South love . It's simple to make , but packed with flavor . You get tender chіcken , pаsta and a creamy sauce with diced tomatoes and green chilies in every bite .
This recipe grew out of Italian spaghetti but got a Southern twist when home cooks added Ro-Tel tomatoes . The chilies give it a little kick , and the cheese makes it extra creamy . Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks with friends .
History and Origin of Chicken Spaghetti
This diѕh likely showed up in the mid 1900s when Southern cooks mixed Italian spaghetti with local ingredients . At church potlucks and family get-togethers , it was loved for feeding a crowd without costing much .
When Tex-Mex food got popular in the 1970s , Ro-Tel tomatoes — a mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies — became a hit . They gave the chіcken spаghetti a zesty flavor that people just couldn't resist .
Over time , cooks started tweaking it . Some threw in extra veggies , others swapped cheeses or used different proteins . That’s why you might see lots of versions of this classic dish .
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Here are the basics you'll need:
- 2 cups cooked chіcken, shredded
- 8 oz pаsta (spaghetti or your favorite)
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes (10 oz)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
You can swap in gluten-free pаsta or low-fat soup to fit different diets . Here’s a quick look at the main health benefits :
- Chіcken: Good protein for muscles and repair .
- Pаsta: Carbs for energy ; choose whole grain for extra fiber .
- Ro-Tel tomatoes: Vitamins C and A for immune support .
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and some minerals from mushrooms .
- Cheese: Calcium and more protein ; pick low-fat if you want .
Detailed Recipe Section
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chіcken, shredded
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes (10 oz)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 8 oz pаsta (or any kind)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Optional: green onions, extra cheese, jalapeños
Directions
- Cook pаsta: Boil in salted water till tender . Drain and set aside .
- Sauté veggies: Heat oil over medium . Cook onion and bell pepper till soft .
- Mix: In a big bowl , stir together cooked chіcken, Ro-Tel, soup, veggies and pаsta .
- Add cheese: Fold in most of the cheese , save some for the top .
- Bake: Put mixture in a greased dish . Sprinkle remaining cheese on top . Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or till bubbly .
- Serve: Let cool a bit before serving . Garnish if you like .
Tips and Advice
Using rotisserie chіcken saves time and adds flavor . You can make it ahead and freeze it for later . Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave .
Flavor Variations and Modifications
Add Spices and Herbs
Try garlic powder , smoked paprika or cumin for more flavor . Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten it up .
Make It Healthier
Swap in low-fat soup or make your own cream sauce . Use whole grain or veggie-based pаsta to up the fiber .
Vegetarian Version
Skip the chіcken and use chickpeas or mushrooms . Substitute veggie broth in place of chicken broth .
Serving Suggestions
This spаghetti goes great with garlic bread or a side salad . Top with fresh herbs or sliced avocado . A glass of white or light red wine pairs nice too .
FAQs About Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel
What is Ro-Tel?
Ro-Tel is a blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies . It adds spice and flavor to many recipes .
Can I make it ahead?
Yes , prepare it in advance and keep in the fridge up to 3 days . Reheat before serving .
How do I change the spice level?
Use mild Ro-Tel or less of it . For more heat , add jalapeños or a spicy sausage .
What if I don’t want cream of mushroom soup?
Use a homemade cream sauce , gluten-free soup or even coconut milk for a twist .
Can I use other pasta?
Sure ! Penne , fusilli or even zucchini noodles all work great .
Conclusion
Chicken Spаghetti with Ro-Tel is easy , comforting and full of flavor . Try different variations to make it your own and share what you think .
Call to Action
We'd love to hear how your version turned out ! Leave a comment and share this recipe with your friends .
Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Skillet or large frying pan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- 1 can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, Ro-Tel tomatoes with juices, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
