Velveeta Rotel Chicken Rotini

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Velveeta Rotel Chicken Rotini

Introduction

Velveeta Rotel Chicken Rotini is a creamy, cheesy, and zesty pasta dish that’s a favorite for family dinners and potlucks. Combining tender chicken, flavorful Rotel tomatoes, smooth Velveeta cheese, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta, this dish is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Its ease of preparation makes it a go-to comfort meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.

History

This dish is a modern Southern classic, drawing inspiration from Tex-Mex flavors and the widespread popularity of Velveeta cheese. Velveeta, introduced in 1923, has long been a staple in creamy, comforting dishes. Adding Rotel tomatoes—a blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies—infuses the dish with a bold, spicy kick, reflecting the Tex-Mex culinary tradition. Over the years, Velveeta Rotel Chicken Rotini has become a cherished recipe in many households for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing taste.

Ingredients

For the Dish:

12 ounces rotini pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)

12 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

½ cup chicken broth or milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup cooked, chopped broccoli or spinach

½ cup corn or black beans

For Garnishing:

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season the cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add the Rotel tomatoes and chicken broth or milk. Heat over medium-low heat.
  2. Gradually add the Velveeta cheese cubes, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the cheese sauce.
  2. Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to combine.
  3. If using optional add-ins like broccoli, spinach, corn, or beans, stir them in at this stage.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish.
  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Benefits

  1. Quick and Easy: This one-pan dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Customizable: Add vegetables, swap chicken for turkey or shrimp, or adjust spice levels to suit your preferences.
  3. Comforting: The creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta make it a universally loved comfort food.
  4. Nutritious Options: Incorporating vegetables like broccoli or spinach boosts the nutritional profile.

Nutrition (per serving, approximately 1/6 of recipe)

Calories: 400

Protein: 25g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 42g

Fiber: 2g

Sodium: 800mg

Conclusion

Velveeta Rotel Chicken Rotini is a dish that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients. Its balance of cheesy richness and zesty tomatoes ensures it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish is sure to satisfy and bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Who Loves It?

This dish is adored by families, children, and anyone who enjoys a hearty, cheesy pasta meal. Busy parents love its quick preparation, and its versatility makes it a favorite for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.

Try this recipe today, and it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation!

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