Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Cheesy – A rich and creamy dish packed with melty Velveeta cheese.
- Simple and Quick – Made with pantry-friendly ingredients and ready in under an hour.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese (regular or Mexican)
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (regular or hot)
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- 1 stick butter
- 1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Boil the Chicken
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken breasts along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes or until fully done.
- Remove the chicken and set aside to cool. Once cooled, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta
- In the same pot with the remaining broth, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the now-empty pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients
- Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Add the cooked chicken pieces and spaghetti, gently mixing everything together.
- Melt the Cheese
- Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes and add it to the pot.
- Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and evenly coats the spaghetti.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Pair with a fresh salad and hot garlic bread for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Use hot Rotel tomatoes and add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Protein Options – Substitute chicken with cooked ground beef, turkey, or shrimp.
- Veggie-Loaded – Add mushrooms, corn, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Swap – Instead of Velveeta, try cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different cheesy experience.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling chicken breasts?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor.
What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?
You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses for a different texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium soups to lighten it up.
Can I bake this dish?
Yes! Transfer the cooked spaghetti mixture into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well as substitutes.
What can I serve with Mexican Chicken Spaghetti?
This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this without the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! Substitute with an extra can of cream of chicken soup or use a homemade white sauce.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting too thick?
If the mixture thickens too much, add a little milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Can I add more seasonings?
Of course! Feel free to add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or taco seasoning for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Mexican Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy the bold Tex-Mex flavors!
Mexican Chicken Spaghetti
This Mexican Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed comfort dish! Made with tender chicken, Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and spaghetti, it’s a Tex-Mex twist on a classic favorite. Quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners, this dish is sure to become a new favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- 1 stick butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (regular or hot)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese (regular or Mexican), cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Chicken:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add chicken, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- Once cooled, shred or cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- In the same pot with the leftover broth, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside. (Do not rinse.)
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Melt butter in the pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Add the cooked chicken and spaghetti, mixing well.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Add Velveeta cheese cubes and stir continuously until fully melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with Parmesan cheese, cilantro, or jalapeños.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Use hot Rotel and add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Meat Substitutions: Swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, or shrimp.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend instead of Velveeta.
- Baking Option: Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.