Rotel Spaghetti Recipe

The best Rotel Chicken Spaghetti casserole! Tender chicken, Velveeta cheese, and a zesty Rotel kick. An easy, creamy, family-favorite dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients come together to make Rotel Spaghetti absolutely irresistible. Each measure counts — from the way the onion softens into sweetness, to the magical melt of Velveeta, and the signature zest of those famous Rotel tomatoes. Here’s what you’ll need, and why every component matters:

• Spaghetti (12 oz): The classic base – it perfectly absorbs all the rich, creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the onion and garlic a golden start, enhancing depth of flavor.
• Ground Beef or Turkey (1 lb): Brings heartiness and savory substance; both work equally well, so use your favorite.
• Onion (1/2 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and texture that makes each bite pop.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Boosts the aroma and adds a gently robust kick to the dish.
• Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 10 oz, undrained): The zesty, tangy soul of Rotel Spaghetti — don’t skip their unique flavor and heat!
• Velveeta Cheese (8 oz, cubed): Melts into the dreamiest, silkiest sauce (if you’re feeling decadent, a little extra won’t hurt).
• Milk (1/4 cup, optional): Keeps things ultra-creamy if your sauce feels too thick — adjust to your liking.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to make all the flavors shine through just the way you like.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that adds a little lift right before serving.

How to Make Rotel Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. This step sets the stage: well-cooked pasta means every strand will cling lovingly to that creamy sauce! Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat your olive oil over medium. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Drop in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds, just long enough to awaken its flavor but not burn.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break up the meat as it cooks and let it brown thoroughly. You want every crumbled bit to be savory and cooked through. Depending on your meat, you might have some excess fat — if so, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter sauce.

Step 4: Stir in Rotel Tomatoes

Now it’s time for the signature twist: pour in the can of Rotel (juice and all). This infuses your base with just the right amount of tomato tang and green chili spark, giving Rotel Spaghetti its irresistible zip. Allow everything to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, melding the flavors.

Step 5: Melt in the Velveeta Cheese

Turn your heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta, stirring constantly. Watch as the cheese melts and transforms the skillet into a bubbling, golden sauce. If you find things a bit thick, add a splash of milk for extra silkiness — this also makes leftovers even creamier the next day!

Step 6: Combine with Spaghetti

Gently add your drained spaghetti into the skillet. Using tongs, toss everything together until all the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy, tomato-packed sauce. This is where the magic happens: every forkful will be rich, saucy, and satisfying.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Take a quick taste, then season with salt and pepper to bring out all those flavors. If you’d like, sprinkle on a handful of fresh chopped parsley right before serving for a bright finish. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

How to Serve Rotel Spaghetti

Garnishes

The simplest way to elevate your Rotel Spaghetti is with color and freshness — think a scatter of chopped parsley, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness. If you love a little heat, some sliced green onions or diced jalapeños can be a fun touch, too.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides: a green salad with a bright vinaigrette balances out the richness, while garlicky Texas toast or warm breadsticks are heaven for scooping up any leftover sauce. Steamed broccoli, sautéed zucchini, or roasted green beans make excellent veggie companions for your Rotel Spaghetti dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping table, bake the pasta in a casserole dish until bubbling and golden, then top with crushed crackers or French-fried onions for crunch. For fun, serve Rotel Spaghetti in individual ramekins or even “twirled” onto plates for a dinner party worthy of Instagram. Feeding a crowd? Try stuffed peppers filled with the spicy, cheesy mixture — it’s always a hit at potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, pack any leftover Rotel Spaghetti into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps happily for up to 3 days and somehow tastes even better after sitting overnight — the flavors just deepen and mingle.

Freezing

Rotel Spaghetti is a meal prep hero! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out any air to avoid freezer burn. It’ll freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. To make it even easier, freeze in individual servings so you can grab a quick lunch whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it looks a little thick. You don’t want to overcook and dry it out; just warm until everything’s creamy, steamy, and ready to enjoy all over again.

FAQs

Can I make Rotel Spaghetti with other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use penne, rotini, or even fettuccine — just follow the same cooking instructions and enjoy the same crave-worthy sauce clinging to a new pasta shape.

Is Rotel Spaghetti spicy?

Rotel tomatoes with green chilies add a mild kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. If you want more heat, choose the “hot” version of Rotel or add a pinch of red pepper flakes; for less, use “mild” Rotel or substitute with plain diced tomatoes.

What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?

If you don’t have Velveeta, you can swap in regular American cheese, cream cheese blended with a little cheddar, or even shredded mozzarella for a different texture. The key is choosing a cheese that melts smoothly for that signature sauce!

Can Rotel Spaghetti be made vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the ground meat or replace it with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. All the cheesy goodness and big flavor will shine right through.

How can I make Rotel Spaghetti extra creamy?

For maximum creaminess, simply add an extra splash of milk or even a spoonful of cream cheese when melting the Velveeta. The result is luxuriously rich, especially if reheated the next day!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made Rotel Spaghetti yet, it’s time to bring this Southern favorite to your table — nothing hits the spot quite like this cheesy, soulful classic! Whether you’re cooking for family or sharing with friends, you can count on empty plates, happy bellies, and requests for seconds. Give it a try and savor every spicy, creamy bite!

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