Chicken Rotel

12 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 35 m Total: 50 m Beginner
5.0/5 (9)
ROTEL brand tomatoes and chilies are a very popular staple in Southwest Louisiana. That brand of tomatoes is used in so many Cajun dishes, that many of us just say, “Add the Rotel.” This easy chicken pasta bake combines boiled chicken, angel hair pasta, Velveeta cheese, and ROTEL for a comforting casserole. Rotel is a 10 oz can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, packed in its own juice. It is sold as mild in a green can, although that version is nicely spicy, and two different red cans where you pick your spiciness. It is used in recipes, never by itself. If you can’t find the ROTEL brand, just look for any canned product consisting of diced tomatoes and green chilies.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 4 to 5 chicken breasts
  • 1 lbs angel hair pasta
  • 1 lbs Velveeta cheese
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can ROTEL chilies and tomato

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add salt and pepper to a pot of water and boil the chicken. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from water and allow to cool.
  2. Boil the pasta in the chicken broth. Do not drain the pasta completely. Leave some broth to add moisture to the dish.
  3. Chop the cooled chicken and mix with the cooked pasta.
  4. Chop the onion and sauté in margarine until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Cut the Velveeta into cubes. Mix all ingredients together (chicken, pasta, sautéed onion, ROTEL, and cheese) in a 9x13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese melts and is bubbly.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes and chilies instead of ROTEL?

A: While you can, ROTEL has a specific seasoning blend that's hard to replicate. If substituting, use about 1 cup diced tomatoes with 1-2 diced green chilies and add a pinch of garlic powder and cumin.

Q: Why shouldn't I drain the pasta completely?

A: Leaving some chicken broth with the pasta adds moisture and flavor to the casserole. If you drain it completely, the dish can be dry.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Tips and Techniques

Save the chicken boiling broth to cook the pasta—it adds tremendous flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time; just use store-bought chicken broth for cooking the pasta.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Velveeta cheese: 8 oz cream cheese plus 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • angel hair pasta: penne, rotini, or egg noodles
  • chicken breasts: chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken
  • margarine: butter or olive oil

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for boiling chicken
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Skillet for sautéing onions

Historical Context

ROTEL became a Louisiana staple after its creation in Texas in 1943. The convenience of canned tomatoes and chilies perfectly suited the Cajun love of spicy, flavorful dishes, and it quickly became a pantry essential across Acadiana.