Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with a Kick
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded chicken
4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-½ cups chicken broth
¾ cup milk
4 oz. cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Ro-Tel)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
16 oz. thin spaghetti
1 teaspoon dried basil
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1 (15oz) can of cream soup, or 2 cups homemade Cream Soup Substitute
Directions:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, whisking to combine. Gradually add chicken stock and milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
Stir in the cream soup and then gradually add cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Fold in the shredded chicken and Ro-Tel tomatoes. Pour the sauce over cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat.
Transfer to the baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with dried basil.
Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Chicken Spaghetti with Ro-Tel:
- What is Ro-Tel?
- Ro-Tel is a brand of canned tomatoes and green chilies that adds a spicy kick to dishes. It’s commonly used in Tex-Mex and Southwestern recipes to add flavor and heat.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes and chilies instead of canned Ro-Tel?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes and green chilies for canned Ro-Tel if you prefer. Simply dice fresh tomatoes and chilies and adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- While thin spaghetti is traditionally used for chicken spaghetti, you can experiment with other types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply assemble the casserole as instructed, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
- Is this recipe spicy?
- The addition of Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies gives this dish a subtle kick of heat, but you can adjust the spiciness to your taste by using mild or spicy Ro-Tel. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can also reduce the amount of Ro-Tel used in the recipe.