Author

Big Ks Que

Hey yall ! My name is Kevin , but just Call me Bigk ! Backyard bbq is my passion, so back in 2020 we turned on the camera and started sharing our journey with yall. Come on in fix ya a plate , and welcome to the family -Big K

A man in a pink shirt, brown apron, and gray cap stands in a kitchen holding BBQ sauce, instant mashed potatoes, and canned food, with a grocery bag of items on the counter.

More recipes from Big Ks Que that you'll love

When the craving for comfort food strikes, there’s nothing quite like a gooey, cheesy dish to hit the spot. That’s where my Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta comes in. It’s a dish that combines the best of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and a little kick from Rotel that will have your taste buds dancing.

Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in a crock pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re just chilling with friends.

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser – trust me, it’s hard for anyone to resist that melty cheese goodness. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that feels like a special treat without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll want to keep this one handy for potlucks or game days because it disappears faster than a cold beer in July!

Let’s dive into why this Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta will become a staple in your home. First off, the flavor combo is unbeatable. The creamy Velveeta and cheddar melt together beautifully, while the Rotel adds a zesty punch that keeps things interesting.

It’s a dish that balances comfort and excitement, making it perfect for anyone who loves a little flavor adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta is just how adaptable it is. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Want to spice it up?

Throw in some jalapeños or swap out the chicken for ground beef or turkey. The possibilities are endless, and that makes it a go-to for any occasion.

This dish is also a breeze to prepare. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? With minimal prep and just a few key ingredients, you can throw everything into the crock pot and let it do the magic.

Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup – and we all know that’s a win in my book.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to pull off this cheesy delight. You’re going to start with a pound of chopped rotisserie chicken, which is a game-changer because it saves so much time. I like using a block of Velveeta – I went with queso blanco for an extra twist – and an 8 oz block of cheddar for that classic cheesy flavor.

You’ll also need a can of Rotel, which brings the heat and a bit of acidity to balance out the richness.

Don’t forget the veggies! A half-chopped white onion, along with green and red bell peppers, adds some freshness and color. If you can find a tub of mixed onions and peppers, grab that; it’ll save a step.

Finally, a cup of milk will help bring everything together, and of course, a box of your favorite pasta – I used cellatina because it holds sauce so well. With these ingredients, we’re ready to rock!

How To Make It

Making this Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta is as easy as pie – or should I say, cheesy pasta? We’ll start by prepping our ingredients and then move on to the slow cooking magic. You’ll see how easy it is to get everything together, so let’s get cooking!

Preparation

To kick things off, grease your crock pot to ensure nothing sticks. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, both cheese blocks, the can of Rotel, and your chopped peppers and onions. If you’re using the mixed onion and pepper tub, toss that in too – it’s all about convenience!

Give everything a good stir to blend those flavors, and you’re almost ready to set it and forget it.

Next, you’ll want to mix in the Mexican seasoning. I used Malcom’s Grande Gringo, which adds a fantastic flavor profile, but feel free to use your favorite blend. Once everything is well combined, you’re ready to let the slow cooker work its magic.

Cooking

Now, set your crock pot to low and let it cook for about two hours. This is when the magic happens – you’ll start to smell that delicious cheesy aroma wafting through the kitchen. Make sure to stir halfway through to keep everything mixed and help those cheeses melt down perfectly.

After two hours, it’s time to add your cooked al dente pasta and milk. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in that cheesy goodness. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, and you’ll see the sauce thicken up beautifully.

You’ll want to keep an eye on it during this last stage to make sure it doesn’t overcook. Once that’s done, you can feel the joy of knowing you’ve just created a dish that everyone will love!

Serving & Variations

When it comes to serving this Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta, there are a few fun ideas to consider. It’s perfect on its own, but feel free to pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a more complete meal. You can also top it off with some fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.

As for variations, the options are endless. Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even go vegetarian with black beans and corn. Add some diced green chiles for more heat or switch up the pasta for something like penne or rotini.

And if you have leftovers (though they’re rare), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to go.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it – a simple, cheesy delight that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty Rotel makes for a dish that’s comforting and satisfying. I hope you give this Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta a try and enjoy every cheesy bite.