Description
Discover how to make a creamy Rotel Chicken Pasta with tender chicken, spicy tomatoes, and rich cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta of your choice)
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (10 oz), undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the Rotel tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir the mixture to combine, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the garlic powder and onion powder for additional flavor. Gradually stir in the shredded cheese, adding a handful at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the pasta is well-coated and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness of Rotel Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- Storing:
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Oven: For larger portions, place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: You can also reheat on the stovetop by adding a splash of milk or cream to the pan and stirring occasionally until warmed.