Spicy Cheesy Chicken Casserole (Print Version)

Hearty, cheesy casserole baked with chicken, spaghetti, Rotel, and a touch of spicy kick.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta and Poultry

01 - 1 pound dried spaghetti, cooked al dente and drained
02 - 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (approximately 1 rotisserie chicken)

→ Dairy and Cheese

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 1 pound processed cheese product (Velveeta), cut into cubes
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Sauces and Vegetables

07 - 1 can (10 ounces) original Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
08 - 1 can (10 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup

→ Seasonings and Toppings

09 - Kosher salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
12 - Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving

# Steps:

01 - Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with vegetable shortening and set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
02 - In a large stockpot set over medium heat, combine unsalted butter, Velveeta cheese cubes, Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, and whole milk. Stir constantly until the cheese has fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
03 - Add shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, kosher salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Toss mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
04 - Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top with a spoon. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface, then top with panko bread crumbs.
05 - Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and hot throughout.
06 - Remove the foil and place casserole under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, monitoring closely, until the panko crumbs are golden brown. Be attentive as bread crumbs may brown quickly.
07 - Remove casserole from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure the spaghetti is cooked just to al dente so it does not become mushy during baking.

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