The Best Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Cheese and Rotel (Creamy & Easy)

If you grew up in the South, or even just visited, you’ve probably had a taste of that legendary creamy chicken spaghetti: bubbling with melty Velveeta cheese, spiced just right with Rotel tomatoes, and baked until golden and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just fill your belly, it wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug.

This chicken spaghetti with Velveeta cheese and Rotel recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: easy to make, loaded with flavor, and picky-eater approved. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking for a crowd, this Southern classic never disappoints.

I’ve made this recipe for potlucks, Sunday suppers, and even lazy Tuesday nights when I just needed something cozy and fast. The best part? You can throw it together with pantry staples, and it holds up beautifully as leftovers.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti with Velveeta and Rotel, step by step. Plus, I’ll share expert tips, variations, make-ahead ideas, and answers to the most common questions people have about this iconic dish.

Let’s get to the good stuff, because cheesy comfort food waits for no one.

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Cheese and Rotel

When it comes to comfort food, this dish checks every box. It’s creamy, cheesy, filling, and full of bold, crave-worthy flavor. If you’re wondering whether this chicken spaghetti recipe is worth trying, trust me, it absolutely is.

Here’s why this one’s a keeper:

• Ridiculously Creamy – Velveeta melts like a dream, creating a silky, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
• Bold Flavor from Rotel – Those diced tomatoes and green chilies add a little kick and a ton of personality to the dish.
• Easy to Make – Simple steps, basic ingredients, and minimal prep mean dinner is on the table in under an hour.
• Kid & Crowd Approved – It’s one of those meals everyone at the table agrees on (and goes back for seconds).
• Perfect for Leftovers – It reheats beautifully, so you’ve got lunch or another dinner ready to go.
• Customizable – Want to spice it up? Tone it down? Add veggies? Totally up to you.

This chicken spaghetti with Velveeta cheese and Rotel is more than just a recipe, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights and a guaranteed hit at any potluck. Plus, it freezes well, making it a solid meal prep option.

Ready to dive in? Let’s gather our ingredients and get started.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this creamy chicken spaghetti with Velveeta cheese and Rotel.

✳️ Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken – Shredded or chopped. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and flavor.
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese – Cut into cubes for faster melting. Velveeta gives that signature creamy texture no other cheese can match.
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes – Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a little heat and depth. Choose mild or hot based on your preference.
• 8 oz spaghetti – Broken in half before cooking for easier mixing and eating.
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup – Adds body and richness to the sauce.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Helps loosen the sauce and keeps it silky.
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper – Adjust to taste.

🧀 Optional (But Delicious) Add-Ins

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – For extra cheesiness on top.
• ½ block (4 oz) cream cheese – Adds extra creaminess and tang.
• ½ cup diced green bell pepper – A nice crunch and color boost.
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or chili powder – For added flavor kick.

✅ Substitution Ideas

• No Rotel? Use a can of diced tomatoes + a small can of green chilies.
• Want it spicier? Use Hot Rotel, or add diced jalapeños.
• Gluten-free? Swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta (just don’t overcook it).
• No Velveeta? You can use shredded cheddar or American cheese, but the texture won’t be quite the same, Velveeta melts smoother.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Cheese and Rotel

Follow these easy steps to bring this creamy Southern classic to life. You can make it one-pot style or bake it for a golden top, it’s totally up to you!

🔹 Step 1 – Cook the Spaghetti

Start by filling a big pot with water, season it with salt, and heat it until it’s bubbling steadily.
Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente (about 8 minutes).
👉 Tip: Undercook slightly, your pasta will finish cooking in the sauce or oven.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

🔹 Step 2 – Make the Cheese Sauce

Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat and add the following ingredients:

• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Rotel (undrained)
• Velveeta cubes

Stir frequently until the Velveeta melts and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

🔥 Optional but next-level: Add in cream cheese or a handful of shredded cheddar here for extra richness.

🔹 Step 3 – Add the Chicken & Spices

Stir in:

• Cooked shredded chicken
• Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper

Let everything simmer together for 3–4 minutes so the flavors blend.

🔹 Step 4 – Combine with Pasta

Add your cooked spaghetti to the pot and gently mix until everything is coated with the cheesy sauce.

👉 For one-pot lovers: At this point, you can serve it straight from the pot. Done and delicious.

🔹 Step 5 – (Optional) Bake It

Want a bubbly, golden top? Here’s how to turn it into a baked casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer spaghetti mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Top with shredded cheddar or more Velveeta.
4. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and bubbly.

✅ Quick Recap – One-Pot Version:

• Cook pasta
• Melt Velveeta + soup + Rotel
• Stir in chicken + seasoning
• Add pasta
• Serve immediately = fewer dishes, same comfort

🧀 Tips for the Creamiest, Cheesiest Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Cheese and Rotel

Want that ultra-smooth, ooey-gooey texture every time? These pro tips will take your chicken spaghetti to the next level.

🔸 1. Use Full-Fat Velveeta

Velveeta is the key to the iconic creamy texture. Don’t go for low-fat or off-brand versions if you want the true Southern-style richness.

🔸 2. Cut the Cheese into Cubes

Smaller cubes melt faster and more evenly, preventing lumps or scorched spots in your sauce.

🔸 3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Remember, the spaghetti will cook more once it’s mixed with the hot sauce or baked. Aim for just al dente.

🔸 4. Add Cream Cheese for Extra Richness

A few ounces of cream cheese stirred into the sauce creates a velvety, slightly tangy twist. Great for adding depth of flavor.

🔸 5. Use Rotel With the Liquid

Don’t drain the Rotel! The juices add flavor and moisture to the sauce, keeping everything from drying out.

🔸 6. Want a Golden Top? Bake It with Cheddar

If you’re baking the dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar or a Velveeta-cheddar mix on top for a bubbly, golden crust.

🔸 7. Add a Splash of Broth When Reheating

When reheating leftovers, add a bit of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce and bring back the creamy texture.

🔸 8. Season to Taste

Velveeta and soup are salty, so taste before adding salt. Want more heat? Sprinkle in some cayenne or use hot Rotel.

🧊 Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

Meal prep lovers, rejoice, this chicken spaghetti with Velveeta cheese and Rotel is incredibly freezer-friendly and perfect for planning ahead.

🟠 Make-Ahead Instructions

Want to prep it now and bake later? No problem.

1. Follow the recipe through mixing the pasta and sauce.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
3. Let it cool completely.
4. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
5. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

🟢 Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Good for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep it creamy.

🔵 Freezing Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta and Rotel

This dish freezes like a dream, perfect for busy weeks or new baby meal trains.

✅ To Freeze (Unbaked):

• Prep the spaghetti mixture.
• Transfer to a foil baking pan.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil.
• Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

✅ To Freeze (Baked):

• Cool leftovers completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze up to 3 months.

Pro Tip: Always thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

🔥 How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

• Microwave: Add a splash of broth or milk, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F until warm, about 20–25 minutes for a full pan.

🔄 Recipe Variations and Substitutions

No Velveeta? Want to spice things up? Here are easy swaps and twists to make this dish your own.

🧀 Cheese Substitutions

• No Velveeta? You can use American cheese slices, shredded cheddar, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
  👉 Note: Nothing melts quite as creamy as Velveeta, but cheddar gives great flavor.
• Creamier Texture? Add a few ounces of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for an ultra-smooth sauce.

🍅 Rotel Alternatives

• No Rotel? Mix one can of diced tomatoes with one can of green chilies (drained or undrained depending on your preference).
• Milder Version: Use plain diced tomatoes or a can of petite diced tomatoes + bell peppers.

🌶️ Want More Heat?

• Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use Hot Rotel.
• Stir in Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce for bold flavor.

🍗 Protein Options

• Ground beef or turkey – A hearty swap for chicken.
• Leftover rotisserie chicken – Fast and flavorful.
• Canned chicken – In a pinch, it works!

🍝 Pasta Swaps

• Try penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni for a fun twist.
• Want to go low-carb? Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta (just watch the cook time).

🥦 Add Veggies for Texture & Color

• Stir in sautéed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas.
• For extra greens, wilt in some spinach right before mixing everything together.

🧂 Flavor Boosters

• Stir in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a touch of mustard powder for depth.
• Add crushed garlic or sautéed onions for aroma and savoriness.

🍽️ What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Cheese and Rotel

This creamy comfort dish is the star of the show, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out your meal.

🥖 1. Garlic Bread or Texas Toast

You need something to soak up all that cheesy goodness. A side of warm, buttery garlic bread (or thick-cut Texas toast) is always a hit.

🥗 2. Fresh Garden Salad

Balance the richness with something crisp and refreshing. A simple salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette keeps things light.

🥦 3. Roasted or Steamed Veggies

Try broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a colorful, nutritious side. Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts also complement the cheesy pasta well.

🧄 4. Southern-Style Green Beans

Slow-cooked green beans with onions and a bit of bacon are a perfect match, bringing that classic Southern flavor full-circle.

🥤 5. Sweet Tea or Lemonade

If you’re going for a full Southern spread, don’t forget the sweet tea! A tall glass of iced lemonade also pairs great with the slight kick from the Rotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

🥄 Final Thoughts: Why This Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta and Rotel Is a Keeper

There’s a reason this dish has stood the test of time in so many kitchens, it’s cheesy, comforting, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for busy days, or sharing it at a family potluck, this chicken spaghetti with Velveeta cheese and Rotel always delivers.

It’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds (and thirds). And thanks to its versatility, you can make it your own, mild or spicy, baked or stovetop, classic or loaded with veggies.

💬 Now it’s your turn!

Have you tried this recipe?
Did you add your own twist?
Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

And if you found this helpful, don’t forget to:

• Rate the recipe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Save it for later 📌 on Pinterest
• Share it with a friend who loves Southern comfort food

🍽️ Craving More Cheesy, Comfort-Food Favorites?

If this creamy chicken spaghetti with Velveeta and Rotel hit the spot, you’re going to love these other hearty, flavor-packed recipes from the blog:

• 👉 Spaghetti Mac and Cheese – The ultimate mashup of two classics: creamy mac and cheese meets spaghetti night.
• 👉 Baked Spaghetti Fazoli’s Recipe – A restaurant-style spaghetti bake that’s cheesy, saucy, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
• 👉 Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup – A cozy one-pot wonder that’s like cheeseburger helper, but better.
• 👉 Jerk Chicken Pasta – For a bold twist, try this creamy pasta with a spicy island kick!
• 👉 Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, dreamy, and so good it might just seal the deal.

🧡 Browse the blog for even more easy family dinners, slow cooker recipes, and Southern-style comfort food that bring people together, one bite at a time.