Go Back

Creamy Rotel Chicken Pasta Cheese

A comforting pasta dish with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for family dinners and casual get-togethers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 720
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, for tossing chicken
  • 1 to 2 tbsp taco seasoning, to taste
  • 0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning, optional
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil, for sautéing chicken
  • 2 tbsp butter, divided for cooking
For the Pasta and Vegetables
  • 16 oz rotini pasta or preferred pasta
  • 1 tbsp chicken bouillon granules, for pasta water
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder, optional
  • 1 tsp onion powder, optional
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika, for flavor
  • 1 can canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream, for creaminess
For the Cheese
  • 12 oz processed cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, adds spiciness
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, adds flavor
  • to taste additional taco seasoning

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, taco seasoning, and optional Cajun seasoning.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt half the butter with neutral oil, then sauté the seasoned chicken until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in the chicken-flavored bouillon, add the rotini, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and keep warm.
Cooking Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add diced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Stir in the canned Rotel tomatoes and heavy cream, warming for a few minutes. Gradually add processed cheese cubes, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combining
  1. Fold the cooked rotini into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Add the reserved chicken and mix together until well combined.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese on top for that delicious finishing touch!

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese. Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.