Name: Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Rotisserie chicken, shredded; 1 pound Spaghetti, cooked al dente & reserve a ladle of pasta water; 1 medium Red bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium Green bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium Onion, chopped; 6 oz Velveeta, cubed; 1 (10.5 oz) can of Cream of Chicken soup; 1 (10.5 oz) can of Cream of Mushroom soup; 1 (10 oz) can of Rotel; 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese, hand shredded (divided); 1.5 cups Monterey jack cheese, hand shredded (divided); 2 tbsp Garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves easy, comforting meals that don’t skimp on flavor. It’s quick to prepare thanks to the use of rotisserie chicken and pantry staples like canned soups and Rotel. The combination of cheeses melts beautifully into a velvety sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this dish checks every box.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente (reserve a ladle of pasta water)
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
6 oz Velveeta, cubed
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 oz) can Rotel
1.5 cups cheddar cheese, hand shredded (divided)
1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese, hand shredded (divided)
2 tbsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until softened.
Stir in the cubed Velveeta along with the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups. Continue stirring over medium-high heat until the cheese has fully melted into the soup mixture.
Mix in the shredded rotisserie chicken, half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and the can of Rotel. Add garlic powder, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Fold in the cooked spaghetti along with a ladle of reserved pasta water. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
Let it cool slightly, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories per serving: 620 kcal

Variations

Spicy Kick: Use spicy Rotel or add chopped jalapeños for some extra heat.
Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken with turkey or cooked ground beef.
Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Cheese Alternatives: Use mozzarella or pepper jack in place of Monterey Jack.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and soups to make it celiac-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

What is Velveeta and can I use real cheese instead?

Velveeta is a processed cheese product known for its smooth melting quality. You can use mild cheddar or American cheese as a substitute, though the texture may vary.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Is it okay to freeze Creamy Chicken Spaghetti?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I use instead of Rotel?

If you don’t have Rotel, use canned diced tomatoes and a small can of green chilies or some chili flakes for a similar flavor.

Can I use regular cooked chicken breast?

Yes, any cooked and shredded chicken will work just fine. Rotisserie is used here for convenience and extra flavor.

Do I need to cook the vegetables before baking?

Yes, sautéing the peppers and onions first softens them and adds depth of flavor.

Can I add more cheese on top?

Of course! Extra cheese is always welcome if you like a gooey, golden topping.

Is there a way to make it less rich?

Use reduced-fat cheeses and soups, and consider cutting back on Velveeta or using a lighter alternative.

What side dishes go well with this?

Try serving it with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread to balance the richness.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pastas like penne or rotini can be used, but spaghetti provides the best classic texture for this dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a crowd-pleasing, satisfying meal that combines convenience with rich, homemade flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you just need a comforting dish, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With endless ways to customize and easy prep-ahead options, this cheesy baked pasta is a guaranteed hit.