The Ultimate Rotel Chicken Pasta Recipe
So you want something creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying but don’t feel like channeling your inner Gordon Ramsay for three hours? Perfect. This Rotel chicken pasta is basically comfort food in a bowl, and it requires about as much skill as making instant ramen (but tastes infinitely better).
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s be real—this dish is basically foolproof. You could probably make it blindfolded after a few margaritas and still nail it. The magic happens when that creamy cheese sauce meets the spicy kick of Rotel tomatoes, creating this beautiful harmony that’ll make you question why you ever ordered takeout.
It’s also a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash later. And if you’re like me and consider doing dishes a form of cruel and unusual punishment, this is already winning. Plus, it feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, so your wallet stays happy too.
The Ultimate Rotel Chicken Pasta Recipe
Course: dinner, lunchCuisine: tex-mexDifficulty: easy4-6
servings10
minutes20
minutes650
kcal30
minutesA creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta loaded with tender chicken and a perfect kick of spice from Rotel tomatoes. This Tex-Mex comfort food comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 packet taco seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: green onions and cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large skillet, cook chicken 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion in same pan 3 minutes, add garlic for 1 minute.
- Add cream cheese, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and Rotel. Stir until smooth.
- Return chicken to pan, add pasta and cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese melts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish if desired.
Notes
- For less spice, use mild Rotel. Can substitute ground turkey or rotisserie chicken. Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge and reheat beautifully. Add a splash of broth if sauce seems thick when reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip draining the pasta properly—nobody wants watery sauce diluting all that cheesy goodness. Avoid cooking the chicken on too high heat or you’ll end up with rubber chicken, and that’s just sad. Also, let the cream cheese actually soften before trying to mix it in, unless you enjoy playing whack-a-mole with cheese chunks.
Another rookie move? Adding the cheddar cheese while the heat is cranked too high. It’ll turn into a stringy mess faster than you can say “kitchen disaster.”
Alternatives & Substitutions
No Rotel? Use a can of diced tomatoes plus a small can of green chilies. Not ideal, but it’ll do the job. Swap the chicken for ground beef or turkey if that’s what you’ve got—just brown it first and drain any excess fat.
Lactose intolerant? Try cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese, though honestly, it won’t be quite the same magic. You could also use heavy cream instead of cream cheese for a lighter (but still indulgent) version.
IMO, rotini pasta holds the sauce better than spaghetti, but use whatever makes you happy. Life’s too short for pasta regrets.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or milk if it seems too thick.
How spicy is this dish?
With regular Rotel, it’s got a mild kick—think “my grandma could handle this” level. Want more heat? Go for the hot Rotel or add some jalapeños.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Technically yes, but cream-based sauces can get a little weird after freezing. It’s better fresh or just refrigerated for up to 4 days.
What if I can’t find Rotel?
Any diced tomatoes with green chilies will work. Rotel just happens to be the perfect blend of flavors for this dish.
Can I add vegetables?
Sure! Bell peppers, corn, or spinach would all be great additions. Sauté them with the onions.
Is this kid-friendly?
Most kids love the creamy, cheesy goodness. If yours are sensitive to spice, use mild Rotel or regular diced tomatoes.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just shred it and add it in step 5. You’ll save time and still get all the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new go-to recipe for when you want something that tastes like you spent all day cooking but actually took less time than a Netflix episode. This Rotel chicken pasta hits all the comfort food notes without requiring a culinary degree or selling your soul to dirty dishes.
The best part? It’s totally customizable, so feel free to make it your own. Now stop reading and go make this already—your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have bragging rights for the rest of the week!
