This post was originally shared on November 22, 2010 and was updated on June 29, 2021.
Way back before my Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti became the most popular recipe on SouthernBite.com, I shared this recipe for my Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti, which I then called Chicken Spaghetti Remix. It’s a mixed-up version of the classic recipe that’s all made right on the stovetop.
After the crazy success of that newer recipe, I decided to revisit the ol’ Chicken Spaghetti Remix and give it a little facelift by shooting some new images of it and updating the recipe a bit, too.
The truth is, I’ve been making chicken spaghetti for as long as I can remember. From the old school original, to my Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti, to this quick and easy stovetop version, we all just love it at our house.
This version has all the classic flavor with Velveeta cheese, Ro*Tel tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup, but takes advantage of a precooked shredded chicken (I normally use a rotisserie chicken) and it all cooks right on the stovetop – no baking! This makes it a bit quicker and a lot easier.
On all of the various versions of this recipe on the site, I often get asked about swapping out the Velveeta cheese. Here’s the deal, there’s just nothing quite like this processed cheese. It melts beautifully and has a tangy flavor that’s hard to replicate. Should you make it a regular part of your diet? Probably not. But you probably shouldn’t make chocolate cake a regular part of your diet either. Everything in moderation, right?!? Everything including moderation. ????
When it comes to the Ro*Tel, it’s really just canned tomatoes with chilis. You can use another brand – even generic. A lot of the big canners have variations of this. And you can often find it with varying levels of heat. I typically use the mild version but even saw a “milder” version at the store the other day if you want to ensure there’s no heat in this dish at all.
And yes, I know it’s called chicken spaghetti and I used penne pasta. You can 100% use spaghetti (or any other pasta for that matter), but I find that the thick sauce often makes cooked spaghetti break apart when stirring so I used a heartier pasta.
Speaking of the thick sauce, sometimes this stovetop version can be a little too thick, so adding some chicken broth or even milk will help to thin it out to your liking. Just stir it in right at the end. And the longer this sits and cools, the thicker it gets, so adding some when reheating it is probably a good idea, too.
Regardless, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want some of that stick-to-your-ribs kind of comfort food. It’s ooey, gooey, cheesy perfection!
Serve this alongside an easy salad and you’ve got supper covered, my friend! Y’all enjoy!
Recipe Card
Easy Stovetop Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cups shredded, cooked chicken (I use a rotisserie chicken)
- 1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta
- 1 (10-ounce) can Ro*Tel Tomatoes
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic power
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 (16-ounce) block Velveeta Cheese, cut into cubes
- chicken broth (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the cream of mushroom soup, undrained Ro*Tel, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large pot or enameled dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the Velveeta and stir frequently until melted. Be cautious as the Velveeta can scorch easily – adjust the heat as necessary.
- Add the chicken and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta and gently stir to combine. Add chicken broth to thin the sauce if you find it too thick. Serve immediately.
How well does this freeze? I know it will make a lot for the two of us but I love to put freezer meals up so I was wi seeing if this will freeze and reheat well? I freeze the regular spaghetti chicken so I am guessing “yes”???
I’ve frozen the traditional chicken spaghetti, but never tried freezing this version, so I can’t say for sure.
This looks great,yea I would like to put more veggies…mushroom, zuchini, peppers or celery or small pieces of steamed broccoli (would pre cook in the microwave and stir in at the end)…I have been using a better pasta…like quinoa rotini or red lentil penne and probably would cut back on the cheese a bit…but love that it can be made on top of the stove…so I do not have to heat up my kitchen in the summer…great with a salad.Also, this would make a lot of pasta…but someone says it freezes well…just take it out to thaw in the frig the night before.
I do a similar version, but add black olives, mushrooms, and a small jar of chopped red pimentos!
Yum!