If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful casserole that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole is absolutely your new best friend. It’s a clever twist on classic chicken spaghetti but uses spaghetti squash instead of noodles, making it lighter while still packing all the cozy, cheesy, tangy goodness you crave. With tender chicken, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy blend of dairy-free ingredients, this casserole is as inviting as it is delicious, perfect for family dinners or a casual get-together where everyone leaves happy and full.

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole right is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the naturally stringy texture of the spaghetti squash to the creamy, savory sauce, every component plays a part in creating harmony and richness in every bite.

Spaghetti squash (1 medium, about 2 pounds): The star of the dish, providing a healthy, low-carb noodle alternative with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle richness and helps roast the squash perfectly.
Cooked chicken breast (3 pieces, diced): A lean protein that makes the casserole hearty and filling.
Rotel tomatoes (1 1/2 cans, drained): Brings a lively, tangy kick and a splash of color to the dish.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors for a balanced taste.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses a gentle warmth and depth to the sauce.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle sweetness and balances the spices.
Pepper (1/2 tsp): Introduces a mild heat to wake up the palate.
Kite Hill cream cheese (1 container): This dairy-free option creates a luscious, creamy texture without overpowering flavors.
Ghee (1 tbsp): Elevates richness with a nutty butter flavor that melds all ingredients beautifully.
Coconut milk, canned unsweetened (1/2 cup): Adds smoothness and a slight hint of sweetness to the sauce.
Nutritional yeast (3 tbsp): Imparts a cheesy, savory note that perfectly complements the dairy-free creaminess.

How to Make Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly greasing a casserole dish with cooking spray. Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds and stringy ribbing inside. Drizzle olive oil across the cut sides, sprinkle salt and pepper generously, and place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet. To help the heat penetrate, poke a few holes with a fork. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the squash is tender and the skin shows a nice golden-brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Squash Strands

Once roasted, flip the squash cut side up and let it cool slightly until you can handle it comfortably. Use a fork to gently scrape the strands of squash from the flesh — these will form the “noodles” of your casserole. Transfer these strands into a large mixing bowl and set aside while you prepare the flavorful chicken mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Sauce Mixture

Reduce the oven heat to 350°F. Dice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to a large skillet over medium heat. After draining the Rotel tomatoes, add them to the skillet along with the Kite Hill cream cheese, nutritional yeast, coconut milk, ghee, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything well and let the mixture heat through for about 5 minutes, ensuring all the ingredients beautifully meld together into a creamy, savory sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Pour the warm chicken and sauce mixture into the bowl with the spaghetti squash strands, folding everything together until combined. Transfer this delicious mixture to your prepared casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden top, signaling all the flavors have come together perfectly and the casserole is heated through and ready to be devoured.

How to Serve Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Garnishes

Garnishing this casserole adds an extra dimension of flavor and charm. Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous note. If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapeño can bring delightful warmth. For a creamy contrast, a dollop of dairy-free sour cream or avocado slices also work beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole holds its own wonderfully, but pairing it with a crisp green salad is a refreshing way to round out the meal. A simple spinach or mixed greens salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and keeps the meal balanced. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus also make excellent, nutrient-packed sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests or add a bit of wow factor? Serve individual portions in ramekins for a cute, personal touch. You can also stuff the roasted spaghetti squash shells with the casserole mixture and broil for a few minutes to create a crispy, golden top—it’s not just delicious but visually stunning. This casserole also reheats well as a filling for lettuce wraps or stuffed peppers if you want to get creative beyond the classic casserole dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavors. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying.

Freezing

If you want to make this casserole last even longer, it freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes, depending on the portion size. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven reheating gives you that fresh-baked, bubbly goodness. Adding a little splash of coconut milk while reheating helps keep the casserole moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash instead of spaghetti squash?

While spaghetti squash is ideal because of its unique noodle-like strands, you can experiment with other winter squashes, but the texture and consistency may differ. Butternut or acorn squash will provide sweetness but won’t mimic noodles quite the same way.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Yes! This recipe uses Kite Hill cream cheese and coconut milk, making it completely dairy-free while still creamy and flavorful. Just be sure to use dairy-free cheese alternatives that you enjoy.

Can I prepare this recipe with rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and keeps the recipe quick and easy. Just shred or dice the chicken as called for in the recipe.

What is nutritional yeast, and can I leave it out?

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to the casserole without dairy. It also boosts the nutritional profile. If you don’t have any, you can omit it, but the casserole won’t have quite the same savory depth.

How spicy is the casserole with Rotel tomatoes?

Rotel tomatoes bring a gentle heat with a mild kick, balanced by the creaminess of the sauce. If you prefer less spice, use mild Rotel or adjust amounts accordingly. You can always add more seasoning to taste.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole enough if you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances comfort, flavor, and a touch of healthy goodness. It’s easy to make, wonderfully creamy, and makes for excellent leftovers. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will likely become a staple in your kitchen too, bringing joy to your table time and time again.