Here’s a detailed version of your Cheesy Chicken Rotel Pasta recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 (16 oz) box of pasta (mini penne or your favorite shape)
  • 32 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 stick (½ cup) butter, divided
  • 2 cans Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
  • 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese
  • Olive oil (for tossing the chicken)
  • Seasonings for chicken:
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley (divided)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Fresh spinach (for added color and flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Season and bake the chicken:
  • Toss the 6-8 chicken thighs in olive oil until evenly coated.
  • Season the chicken with smoked paprika, onion powder, ground turmeric, garlic powder, parsley, and black pepper.
  • Arrange the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
  • Once done, remove from the oven and allow the chicken to cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  1. Cook the pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 16 oz pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and toss with ½ stick of butter (4 tablespoons) while still warm to keep the pasta from sticking together.
  1. Make the cheesy sauce:
  • In a large pot over medium heat, add the cubed Velveeta cheese, 2 cups heavy cream, the remaining ½ stick of butter, 1 tablespoon parsley, 2 cans of Rotel, and 8 oz of cream cheese.
  • Stir frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking or burning, and continue to cook until all ingredients are fully melted and combined into a smooth sauce.
  1. Combine and serve:
  • Once the sauce is ready, stir in the shredded chicken and cooked pasta.
  • Mix everything together until the chicken and pasta are fully coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
  1. Optional spinach addition:
  • If you want to add spinach, stir in a few cups of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to wilt and add color and flavor.
  1. Serve hot, and enjoy this rich, cheesy, and flavorful dish!

Pair with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

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