Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese

Creamy, cheesy pasta has a prospective and a subjective aspect to it. Personally, this is the perfect soundness and spice mixture of the dish. It is the way to have a taste of home and yet still feel nice and thrilling. The deep flavour of the cheese, the soft chicken and the hot sharpness from the Rotel are things that no one can resist, and they are not the ones making you busy, but rather are the ones making you close your eyes for a moment just to savour it.

What Is Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese?

A new dish that involves a lot of creamy pasta, and shredded chicken, which is melted cheese on top, and seasoned with Rotel tomatoes (the delicious diced tomatoes with green chillies). The definition is that Tex-Mex and comfort food are together—hearty, full of flavour, and a little bit hot. You are allowed to cook everything in one pot if you know the right way, and it is also suitable for those nights when you want something fast but homemade.

Why This Recipe Is Special

As good as it can be, this dish is not the typical “”dump everything and stir”” pasta (although it comes incredibly close to being that easy). The recipe’srecipe’s uniqueness lies in its quality—its richness is balanced with mildness; the spiciness is there but in a non-intrusive way. The Rotel gives this bright, zesty note that prevents the creamy cheese sauce from becoming too heavy. Furthermore, it is adaptable—you can customise it according to your spice level, cheese choice, or even the pasta type you have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: In about 30 minutes, you can serve dinner!
  • Flavour Explosion: You’llYou’ll find it hard to stop eating because it is full of flavour: creamy cheese, zesty tomatoes, and juicy chicken—a whole flavour party.
  • One-Pot Friendly: Less cleaning up means more time for the couch.
  • Family Favourite: Even those who are hard to please will ask for more.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: It can be reheated, and during that process, its taste can become even more intense than the first day.

Tools You’llYou’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy equipment—just the basics:

  • Large Skillet or Pot: To cook everything in one place. I love using a deep nonstick skillet for this.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and scraping up those delicious browned bits.
  • Cutting Board & Knife: You’llYou’ll need these for slicing the chicken and prepping your ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters with cheese and seasonings.
  • Colander: To drain your pasta without losing any of it down the sink.
Related:  Green Chile Cheese Potato Cakes

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6 people)

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter or olive oil
  • 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) Rotel tomatoes with green chillies
  • 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta – penne, rotini, or elbow all work
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup (120 g) cream cheese for extra creaminess
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for more heat
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) frozen corn for texture and sweetness
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

First off, fill up a large cooking pot with salted water and let it boil before introducing the pasta to cook it for barely no more than al dente (or firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes along with half the salt and pepper, and sprinkle the garlic powder. It should be golden outside and done inside when you remove it after about 6–7 minutes of cooking. (Tip: When searing, don’t stir too often—give it some time so it can develop a good brown crust.)

3. Make the Sauce

Now, with the chicken still in the same pan, pour in the Rotel (juices included), chicken broth, and cream. Mix it and let it simmer very gently. You will notice that it has begun thickening a little bit.

4. Add the Pasta and Chicken

Put back the cooked pasta and chicken in the skillet. Stir all the components, making sure that every single piece of pasta is enveloped in that creamy, spicy sauce.

5. Melt the Cheese

Switch off the heat and slowly add the grated cheese, stirring continuously. Then, see it melt into a smooth, luxurious sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. If it is too thick, pour in a little broth or milk.

6. Taste and Adjust

Try it—salt or pepper more, or if you like a tang finish, add a squeeze of lime. Top it with cilantro or green onions.

Serving Ideas

You can serve this dish just as it is (and honestly, that’s how I usually eat it), or make it part of a bigger meal:

  • Combine with garlic bread or Texas toast.
  • Accompanied by the side salad and ranch dressing for an opposite cooling effect.
  • Top with crumbled tortilla chips for a delightful, crunchy twist.
Related:  Crispy Chilli Beef

Variations & Customizations

  • Spicy Version: Use Hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms and black beans.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with cooked zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
  • Extra Cheesy: Stir in cream cheese or Velveeta for a richer sauce.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Make Ahead: Cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time, then combine everything when ready to serve.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Let me share a few little secrets I’ve learned making this over the years:

  • Don’t rush the cheese step. Add it off the heat so it melts smoothly and doesn’t curdle.
  • Use Rotel with its juices. That’s where all the flavour hides.
  • Season at every step. Salt your pasta water, season your chicken, and taste before serving.
  • Avoid overcooking pasta. It keeps soaking up the sauce and can turn mushy if overdone.
  • For the best flavour, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—the sauce thickens and coats beautifully.

Recipe Info

  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

  • Calories: 580
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fibre: 2 g
  • Sodium: 710 mg

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and a little spicy, this Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese is the answer. It’sIt’s quick, comforting, and honestly—kind of addictive. The best part? You can tweak it however you like. Once you try it, you’llyou’ll understand why it’sit’s on repeat in my kitchen.

Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese

Recipe by Ava Smith
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

580

kcal

A new dish that involves a lot of creamy pasta, and shredded chicken, which is melted cheese on top, and seasoned with Rotel tomatoes (the delicious diced tomatoes with green chillies). The definition is that Tex-Mex and comfort food are together—hearty, full of flavour, and a little bit hot. You are allowed to cook everything in one pot if you know the right way, and it is also suitable for those nights when you want something fast but homemade.

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter or olive oil

  • 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) Rotel tomatoes with green chillies

  • 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta – penne, rotini, or elbow all work

  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half

  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack

  • Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup (120 g) cream cheese for extra creaminess

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for more heat

  • 1/2 cup (60 g) frozen corn for texture and sweetness

  • Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Related:  Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage Broccoli

Directions

  • Cook the Pasta
  • First off, fill up a large cooking pot with salted water and let it boil before introducing the pasta to cook it for barely no more than al dente (or firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
  • Sear the Chicken
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes along with half the salt and pepper, and sprinkle the garlic powder. It should be golden outside and done inside when you remove it after about 6–7 minutes of cooking. (Tip: When searing, don't stir too often—give it some time so it can develop a good brown crust.)
  • Make the Sauce
  • Now, with the chicken still in the same pan, pour in the Rotel (juices included), chicken broth, and cream. Mix it and let it simmer very gently. You will notice that it has begun thickening a little bit.
  • Add the Pasta and Chicken
  • Put back the cooked pasta and chicken in the skillet. Stir all the components, making sure that every single piece of pasta is enveloped in that creamy, spicy sauce.
  • Melt the Cheese
  • Switch off the heat and slowly add the grated cheese, stirring continuously. Then, see it melt into a smooth, luxurious sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. If it is too thick, pour in a little broth or milk.
  • Taste and Adjust
  • Try it—salt or pepper more, or if you like a tang finish, add a squeeze of lime. Top it with cilantro or green onions.

Notes

  • Let me share a few little secrets I've learned making this over the years:
    Don't rush the cheese step. Add it off the heat so it melts smoothly and doesn't curdle.
    Use Rotel with its juices. That's where all the flavour hides.
    Season at every step. Salt your pasta water, season your chicken, and taste before serving.
    Avoid overcooking pasta. It keeps soaking up the sauce and can turn mushy if overdone.
    For the best flavour, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—the sauce thickens and coats beautifully.

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