Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta

Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta (Creamy, Comforting & Crowd-Pleasing)

Some recipes are pure comfort from the very first bite — rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. This Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta is exactly that. It’s cheesy, a little spicy, and the kind of dish that makes the whole table go quiet for a moment while everyone digs in.

I love making this on weekends when I have a little extra time to roast the chicken just right. The thighs come out juicy and flavorful thanks to a simple spice rub, and the creamy Rotel-Velveeta sauce brings everything together in the most satisfying way.

Bonus? This makes a lot — perfect for feeding a crowd or having plenty of leftovers for the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra creamy — Velveeta, cream cheese, and heavy cream make a luscious sauce.
Big batch — plenty for dinner and leftovers.
Easy to customize — adjust the spice, add veggies, or swap pasta shapes.
Family-friendly — mild enough for kids but flavorful enough for adults.

What It Tastes Like

Tender pasta coated in a silky cheese sauce with the tangy kick of Rotel tomatoes and chilies. The roasted chicken adds depth, and the seasoning blend gives each bite layers of flavor — smoky, savory, and just a touch of heat.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) box pasta (mini penne or your favorite)
32 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 cups heavy whipping cream
6–8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 stick butter (½ for pasta, ½ for sauce)
2 cans Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Olive oil (for coating chicken)
Seasonings for chicken: smoked paprika, onion powder, ground turmeric, garlic powder, parsley, black pepper

Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet (for chicken)
Large pot (for pasta and sauce)
Strainer/colander
Wooden spoon or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

Protein swap: Use chicken breast, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even turkey.
Veggie boost: Add spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for color and flavor.
Cheese twist: Replace part of the Velveeta with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Spice it up: Add cayenne or jalapeños for more heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss chicken thighs in olive oil and season generously with smoked paprika, onion powder, ground turmeric, garlic powder, parsley, and black pepper. Bake 30–35 minutes, until cooked through. Let cool, then shred.
Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente. Drain, then stir in ½ stick of butter to keep it from sticking.
Make the sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, combine Velveeta, heavy cream, remaining butter, parsley, cream cheese, and Rotel. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
Bring it together: Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
Serve hot — sprinkle with extra parsley or shredded cheese if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread or Texas toast
Simple green salad with ranch dressing
Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta

Don’t overcook pasta — it will soften a little more in the sauce.
Shred chicken while it’s still slightly warm — it’s easier.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for a flavor boost.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Not ideal for freezing — cream-based sauces can separate.

FAQ

Can I use a slow cooker for this?
Yes — cook chicken and sauce ingredients on low until chicken is tender, then add cooked pasta before serving.

Do I need both Velveeta and cream cheese?
For the best creamy texture, yes. But you can use all Velveeta or all cream cheese in a pinch.

Is this spicy?
It’s mild, but you can buy mild Rotel or add more heat to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta is the definition of comfort food — creamy, filling, and made to share. It’s one of those recipes you’ll make once and then crave on repeat. Next time, I’m definitely adding fresh spinach for extra color and flavor.

If you love cheesy pasta recipes, you might also enjoy:

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Sausage & Pepper Skillet Pasta

💬 Made this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review — I’d love to see your version!

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 620
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Carbs: 52g
Sugar: 6g

Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta