Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel: A Comfort Food Classic
This recipe takes the classic chicken spaghetti and adds a zesty kick with the help of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, flavorful dish!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get Cooking!
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Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté the Chicken: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Build the Flavor Base: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine the Sauce: Stir in the undrained Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
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Add the Chicken and Spaghetti: Reduce heat to low, add the cooked chicken and spaghetti to the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything evenly, ensuring the spaghetti is fully coated in the creamy Rotel sauce.
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Simmer to Perfection: Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations for an Elevated Dish:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Veggie Boost: Add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Creamy Dreamy: For an even creamier sauce, use a combination of milk and heavy cream.
- Make it a Bake: Transfer the chicken spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. This creates a delicious casserole version!
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This recipe is optimized for search engines using relevant keywords throughout the text, and incorporates various heading levels (H2, H3) and strong text for improved readability and SEO. Remember to share this delicious recipe with your friends and family!