Cheesy Rotel Chicken Pasta Recipe

Indulge in a delightful culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese recipe. Bursting with bold flavors and creamy goodness, this dish is a perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave something comforting yet easy to prepare. The combination of tender spiced chicken, a trio of cheeses, and the zesty kick from Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

I fell in love with this Rotel Chicken Pasta creation on a whim, using leftover chicken, and it has become a beloved go-to in my household ever since. The rich and velvety sauce, infused with smoked paprika for that extra depth of flavor, lovingly coats each strand of pasta, making every bite a true delight. Whether it’s a cozy movie night with the family or a casual gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Featuring Tex Mex influences and a touch of Southern charm, Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese is a versatile and adaptable recipe that welcomes creative twists and personal preferences. From swapping out the cheeses to adjusting the spice level to your liking, this dish invites you to make it your own. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the cheesy goodness, and get ready to savor every creamy, spicy bite of this irresistible Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese creation.

Quick Benefits

• Bold Flavor: The dish offers a mix of tender spiced chicken, creamy three-cheese sauce, and a saucy kick from Rotel tomatoes, creating a bold and flavorful experience.
• Convenience: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a quick and easy comfort meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family without the need for takeout.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with various ingredient substitutions such as different types of meat, cheese, or vegetables, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences and what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead: The dish can be prepared in advance, stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheated with a splash of milk for a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rotel Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

• Bold Flavors: This dish is packed with bold flavors from the spiced chicken, creamy cheeses, and saucy Rotel tomatoes, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers a comforting meal that is quick to make without sacrificing on taste or quality.
• Versatile Ingredients: The recipe allows for ingredient swaps, making it adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand, whether it’s different meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
• Family Favorite: Easy to prepare and loved by all, this dish is sure to become a family favorite, ideal for cozy movie nights or when you crave a special treat without ordering takeout.
• Make-Ahead Option: The dish can be prepared in advance, stored, and reheated with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
• Tex-Mex Inspiration: Drawing inspiration from Tex-Mex cuisine, this recipe combines the best elements of cheesy dips, zesty spices, and creamy casseroles in a weeknight-friendly format.
• Customizable Heat Level: You can adjust the heat level by choosing milder or spicier ingredients to suit your taste preferences, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.

Ingredients for Cheesy Rotel Chicken Pasta Recipe

Poultry

• 680 grams boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings

• 15 to 30 milliliters taco seasoning
• 2.5 milliliters Cajun seasoning (optional)
• 15 milliliters olive oil

Cooking Fats

• 28 grams butter, divided (for cooking chicken and vegetables)
• 15 milliliters neutral oil for sautéing chicken

Pasta

• 450 grams rotini pasta, or preferred variety
• 15 milliliters chicken-flavored bouillon granules for pasta water

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced

Dry Spices

• 5 milliliters onion powder
• 5 milliliters smoked paprika
• 5 milliliters garlic powder

Sauce Base and Cheeses

• 340 grams processed cheese, cubed (such as Velveeta)
• 284 grams canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 115 grams shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 5 milliliters additional taco seasoning, to taste
• 355 milliliters heavy cream
• 115 grams shredded pepper jack cheese

Pro Tips for Cheesy Rotel Chicken Pasta Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For maximum flavor, do not skip the smoked paprika in this recipe; it adds a rich and deep undertone to the sauce that is essential for the dish’s signature taste.

Pro Tip 2: To revive leftovers, add a splash of milk when reheating the pasta to help bring back the creamy consistency of the sauce. Store any uneaten portions in the refrigerator, and for longer storage, freeze with the expectation of a slightly softer texture upon thawing.

Pro Tip 3: Feel free to customize this dish with ingredient swaps based on your preferences. Substitute different meats like turkey or rotisserie chicken, adjust the cheese blend to your liking, and vary the bell pepper with zucchini or corn for added sweetness. Additionally, consider adding jalapeños, black olives, or salsa verde for extra flavor and kick.

How to Make Cheesy Rotel Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, coat chicken pieces evenly with olive oil, taco seasoning, and optional Cajun seasoning.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt half of the butter with neutral cooking oil. Cook seasoned chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add chicken-flavored bouillon. Stir in rotini and cook until al dente following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for 10 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Add canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, followed by heavy cream. Heat the mixture. Slowly mix in cubed processed cheese until melted and smooth. Blend in pepper jack and cheddar cheeses until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Combine the cooked rotini with the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Add reserved chicken and mix until fully combined. Adjust seasoning with additional taco seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese and serve hot.

Storage Tips

To store Rotel Chicken Pasta, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place the sealed container in the refrigerator where the dish can be kept for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat the pasta gently, adding a splash of milk to help revive the sauce and maintain its creamy consistency.

If you plan on freezing Rotel Chicken Pasta, be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To combat this, stir the dish well after thawing and expect a softer texture. While freezing is possible, it’s best to consume the dish within a few months for optimal taste and texture. Remember to label the container with the date before placing it in the freezer for easy tracking.

Rotel Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be customized to your preferences. Feel free to swap out ingredients like the choice of cheese, type of pasta, or even the protein used. Just remember that softer cheeses like Velveeta melt smoother, and you can adjust the level of heat by choosing a milder or spicier version of Rotel. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal for a cozy night in or share it with loved ones during a gathering.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different protein option, turkey or leftover rotisserie meat can be used instead of chicken in this dish. The flavors will still complement the creamy and spicy elements of the recipe.

If you don’t have rotini pasta on hand, feel free to substitute with penne, fusilli, or farfalle. These pasta shapes will also work well to hold the flavorful sauce and cheese.

To adjust the level of heat in the dish, you can customize the spiciness by choosing a milder or hotter version of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. This allows you to tailor the heat to suit your preference or your family’s taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving idea, consider setting up a “Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese Bar” for a casual gathering or family dinner. Have separate bowls of toppings like extra shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, black olives, salsa verde, and lime wedges for guests to customize their dishes. Let everyone mix and match toppings to create their perfect plate of Rotel Chicken Pasta.

To elevate your Rotel Chicken Pasta, serve it in individual baked pasta shells or mini cast-iron skillets for a charming presentation. Top each portion with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a drizzle of salsa verde for a pop of color and flavor. This individual serving idea not only looks impressive but also ensures everyone gets a taste of the creamy, spicy goodness in every bite.

FAQs for Cheesy Rotel Chicken Pasta Recipe

Can I use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe?

Yes, both boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for added flavor and tenderness.

What are some good alternatives to rotini pasta if I don’t have any on hand?

Rotini is ideal but penne, fusilli, or farfalle are great alternatives for holding onto the sauce.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?

The level of heat is moderate, thanks to taco seasoning, Cajun spice, and Rotel with green chilies. Adjust to taste.

Can I customize the cheese selection in this recipe?

Absolutely! Swap Velveeta, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar for your favorites, or use only one cheese for a milder profile.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese is a versatile and comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold flavors make it a winning combination that never fails to satisfy.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by swapping ingredients to suit your taste preferences or using it as a delicious way to use up leftovers. The beauty of Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese lies in its adaptability and the joy it brings to the table, whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in with family or impressing guests at a gathering.

So go ahead, whip up a batch of Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese and savor every creamy, spicy bite. It’s a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Tex Mex flavors and is sure to bring a smile to your face with each delicious forkful. Happy cooking!