Rotel Chicken Pasta: Cheesy, Spicy, and Loaded with Flavor

If you’re craving a cheesy, hearty, and flavorful pasta dinner, this Rotel Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender bites of taco-seasoned chicken mingle with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a creamy, cheesy sauce made from Velveeta, cheddar, and pepper jack. The addition of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies gives it a mild kick that keeps every bite exciting.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week, this dish is indulgent, easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. It’s a Tex-Mex twist on classic creamy pasta that’s vibrant, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors
• Loaded with vegetables for color and nutrition
• Quick and easy for busy weeknights (ready in ~35 minutes)
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Flexible—adjust the spice and cheese to your taste

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces) – Tender, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up spices
• Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Helps season the chicken and keeps it juicy
• Taco seasoning (1–2 tbsp) – Adds classic Tex-Mex flavor
• Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning (1/2 tsp, optional) – Gives a touch of heat
• Butter (1 tbsp) – For sautéing the chicken

For the Pasta:

• Rotini pasta (1 lb) – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully
• Chicken-flavored bouillon (1 tbsp for pasta water) – Infuses the pasta with extra flavor
• Butter (1 tbsp) – Adds richness

For the Vegetables & Sauce:

• Red, orange, and green bell peppers (1 each, diced) – Sweet, colorful, and crunchy
• Red onion (1, diced) – Adds depth and sweetness
• Garlic (4–5 cloves, minced) – Aromatic and flavorful
• Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (1 tsp each) – Layered seasoning for the sauce
• Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz can) – Adds mild heat and juiciness
• Heavy cream (1.5 cups) – Creates a rich, creamy base
• Velveeta cheese (12 oz, cubed) – Melts smoothly into the sauce
• Shredded pepper jack cheese (4 oz) – Adds spice and creaminess
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 oz) – Adds tangy, cheesy depth
• Additional taco seasoning (1 tsp, optional) – Adjust seasoning to taste

How to Make Rotel Chicken Pasta

Prep the Chicken

Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with taco seasoning and optional Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear on the chicken.

Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken-flavored bouillon. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1 tbsp butter. Toss in the diced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Add the can of Rotel to the vegetables and stir well. Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined. Add the Velveeta, shredded pepper jack, and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until all the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.

Tip: Adjust the sauce thickness by adding extra cream if necessary.

Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the cheesy sauce. Fold in the cooked chicken and stir until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional taco seasoning if desired.

Serve

Plate the creamy Rotel Chicken Pasta and enjoy immediately, while it’s warm and gooey.

Tips for Success

• Prepare all ingredients before cooking for a smooth workflow
• Use freshly diced vegetables for better texture
• Add more heavy cream or milk if the sauce becomes too thick while reheating
• Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be al dente for the best texture

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board and knife
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Mixing bowl for seasoning chicken

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or extra Rotel with green chilies
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Increase pepper jack or cheddar for extra melty goodness
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or tofu

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and extra freshness. It also pairs well with a cold beverage like iced tea or a light beer.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding extra cream or milk as needed.

What pasta works best?
Rotini holds sauce well, but penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are great alternatives.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend works well too.

How do I make it spicier?
Add extra Cajun seasoning, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but cheese and cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed. Reheat gently while stirring.

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Final Thoughts

This Rotel Chicken Pasta is a cheesy, spicy, and colorful dinner that satisfies every craving. With tender chicken, melty cheese, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it’s a Tex-Mex comfort meal that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Give it a try—you’ll want seconds!