Creamy Mexican Chicken Spaghetti Bake
Elevate your dinner menu with this Creamy Mexican Chicken Spaghetti Bake, a delightful fusion of flavors that combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and tantalizing spices. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping, as it serves 6-8 and is sure to please everyone at the table. With layers of creamy cheese and a zesty twist from Rotel tomatoes, you'll find each bite bursting with flavor, making it a must-try in your recipe collection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green Bell Pepper
1 large (diced)
Onion
1 large (diced)
Spaghetti Noodles
1 lb (uncooked)
Velveeta Cheese
½ lb (cubed)
Olive Oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
Cream of Chicken Soup
8 ounces (canned)
Cream of Mushroom Soup
8 ounces (canned)
Rotel Diced Tomatoes
16 ounces (2 - 8 oz cans) (undrained)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 lbs (cooked and shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken breasts. Boil for about 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2
While the chicken is boiling, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Add the spaghetti noodles to the same pot of boiling broth and cook according to package directions until al dente.
4
While the noodles are cooking, shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5
When the spaghetti is done, drain it and return it to the pot. Add the sautéed onion and bell pepper, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, undrained Rotel tomatoes, and cubed Velveeta cheese.
6
Gently stir the mixture over medium heat, ensuring the cheese melts and incorporates fully into the dish, about 5-10 minutes.
7
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness! This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Mexican Chicken Spaghetti Bake?
It is a flavorful fusion dish that combines tender chicken, spaghetti, bell peppers, and a creamy cheese sauce with a zesty Mexican twist.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve between 6 and 8 people, making it perfect for family meals.
What type of chicken is best for this spaghetti bake?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, which are boiled until tender and then shredded.
How long should I boil the chicken?
You should boil the chicken breasts for approximately 20-25 minutes until they are fully cooked.
Can I use the same water to cook the spaghetti?
Yes, once the chicken is removed, you can cook the spaghetti noodles in the remaining boiling broth for extra flavor.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of cubed Velveeta cheese for a smooth and creamy texture.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The dish includes one large diced onion and one large diced green bell pepper.
Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
No, the Rotel tomatoes should be added undrained to incorporate their juices and spices into the sauce.
What types of canned soup are required?
You will need 8 ounces of Cream of Chicken soup and 8 ounces of Cream of Mushroom soup.
How should I prepare the spaghetti?
Cook 1 lb of spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente.
What is the best way to sauté the vegetables?
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet and sauté the onion and green bell pepper for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
How long does it take to melt the cheese into the mixture?
Once all ingredients are combined, stir over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, its large yield and ease of storage make it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the boiled chicken with 2 lbs of pre-cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, most of the components are eventually combined and finished in a single large pot.
What gives this dish its 'Mexican' flavor?
The combination of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies and bell peppers provides its signature zesty Mexican profile.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional for this recipe, you can use other long noodles like fettuccine or linguine if preferred.
What size cans of Rotel are needed?
The recipe requires two 8 oz cans, totaling 16 ounces of Rotel Diced Tomatoes.
How should I shred the chicken?
After the chicken has cooled slightly, you can use two forks to shred it or simply cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a mild to medium zest from the Rotel tomatoes, but the cream and cheese help balance the heat.
Can I add more vegetables to this bake?
Yes, ingredients like corn, black beans, or diced jalapeños would make great additions to this recipe.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The final dish is incredibly creamy, cheesy, and hearty, with bits of tender chicken and soft vegetables.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will remain very juicy when boiled.
Should I salt the pasta water?
The chicken broth already contains flavor, but you can add a pinch of salt if you prefer more seasoned noodles.
Can I substitute the Velveeta with real cheddar cheese?
You can, but the texture may be less creamy and more oily compared to the smooth melt of Velveeta.
Do I need to bake this in the oven?
The provided instructions describe a stovetop method, but you can transfer it to a baking dish and top with extra cheese for a traditional oven bake.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use a different oil than olive oil?
Yes, any neutral cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil will work for sautéing the vegetables.
What makes this dish a comfort food?
Its combination of warm pasta, rich creamy soups, and melted cheese creates a satisfying and nostalgic meal.