Name: Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: Chicken; Pasta; Rotel tomatoes; Cream; Cheddar; Mozzarella; Garlic, onion; Cream cheese; Olive oil, salt, pepper.

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. Imagine tender chunks of juicy chicken, smothered in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce with just the right touch of spice from Rotel tomatoes — all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

After 10 years of recipe testing and family dinners, I can confidently say this pasta hits all the right notes: creamy without being heavy, flavorful yet balanced, and easy enough for a weeknight. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and delivers that irresistible restaurant-style flavor without the fuss.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a no-fail comfort dinner, this Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese recipe has you covered. Let’s dive in and create something that tastes like pure happiness in a bowl.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in 30 minutes — quick and easy dinner for busy nights.
✅ Creamy, cheesy, and comforting — family-approved flavor.
✅ Uses pantry staples — no fancy ingredients needed.
✅ One-pot cleanup — fewer dishes, less stress.
✅ Customizable — adjust spice, cheese, or add veggies.

Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese in creamy sauce served in skillet

🧂 Ingredients

For 4–6 servings:

2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
2 tbsp cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Substitutions

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Substitute Greek yogurt for cream to lighten it up.
Replace cheddar with pepper jack for more spice.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

👉 Need help prepping garlic? Check our Guide on How to Mince Garlic.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

Chop onion and garlic, cube the chicken, and measure ingredients.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add onion and cook until translucent (2–3 minutes).
Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Add drained Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

4. Combine and Finish

Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Sprinkle mozzarella on top and cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes to melt.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the pasta — slightly firm pasta holds up better in creamy sauces.
Use full-fat dairy — it prevents curdling and adds richness.
Let it rest 5 minutes before serving — the sauce thickens beautifully.

Flavor Variations

Spicy: Add extra Rotel or a dash of hot sauce.
Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk and vegan cheese.
With rice: Pour the sauce over cooked jasmine or wild rice instead of pasta.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair your Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese with:

Garlic Bread – buttery and perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Simple Garden Salad – a crisp balance to the creamy pasta.
Roasted Vegetables – broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.

👉 You may also like:

🥡 Storage & Meal Prep

Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

🧾 Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 520
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Values are estimates and vary by ingredients used.

❓ FAQ

Q1: Can I use canned chicken in Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese?
Yes! For a super quick version, use canned or pre-cooked chicken. Add it after the sauce thickens to avoid drying it out.

Q2: How can I make Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese spicier?
Use the hot variety of Rotel tomatoes or stir in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Q3: Can I make this Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the full recipe, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.

Q4: How do I keep the cheese sauce from curdling?
Use full-fat dairy and don’t boil the sauce after adding cheese. Stir over low heat until smooth.

Q5: What pasta shapes work best?
Short noodles like penne, rotini, or shells hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Q6: Can I use Velveeta or cream cheese only?
Yes, for extra creaminess, swap part of the cheddar with Velveeta or double the cream cheese.

📋 Recipe Card (Printable)

Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Merry Ava
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Servings: 4–6

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese is quick, cheesy, and irresistible! A family favorite ready in 30 minutes. Try it tonight!

Ingredients

Chicken

Pasta

Rotel tomatoes

Cream

Cheddar

Mozzarella

Garlic, onion

Cream cheese

Olive oil, salt, pepper.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook pasta; drain and set aside.
Brown chicken with seasoning. Remove.
Sauté onion and garlic; add broth, cream, Rotel, cheeses.
Return chicken and pasta. Toss to coat. Garnish and serve.

Notes

For less spice, use mild Rotel.

Sauce thickens as it cools. Add splash of cream when reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

🔗 Linking Strategy

External Links (DoFollow)

💬 Closing Section

There you have it — a creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough to serve to guests.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to ⭐ rate it, 💬 comment below, and 📌 share it with a friend who loves cheesy comfort food.

Because every dinner should end with smiles — and maybe a second helping. 🍝💛