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A close-up of a cheesy, baked Texas Chicken Spaghetti casserole in a white baking dish.

Texas Chicken Spaghetti Skillet Melt

This one-pan wonder reimagines the Texas potluck legend for your weeknight table. Tender spaghetti and juicy chicken are tossed in a ridiculously creamy, Tex-Mex-infused cheese sauce, then broiled in a skillet to create an irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown crust.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces thin spaghetti or vermicelli
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie chicken recommended
  • 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth, plus more if needed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large, oven-safe skillet (12-inch cast-iron recommended)
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Colander
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain well and set aside.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Build the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until combined.
  4. Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar. Stir constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  5. Combine everything: Turn off the heat. Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the skillet. Use tongs to toss gently until everything is thoroughly coated in the cheese sauce. Add a splash more chicken broth if the mixture is too thick.
  6. Broil and serve: Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Smooth the top of the spaghetti mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and golden-brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Expert Tips:
- For the best texture, cook pasta to al dente as it will continue cooking in the skillet.
- Shredding your own block of cheddar cheese results in a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds significant flavor.
- Do not walk away from the oven while broiling; the cheese can burn in seconds.
Variations:
- Spicy Cajun Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and cooked andouille sausage with the vegetables.
- Bacon Jalapeño: Sauté 1-2 diced jalapeños with the vegetables. Stir in crumbled cooked bacon before broiling.
- Taco Twist: Mix in a packet of taco seasoning with the other spices. Consider adding a cup of black beans or corn.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with garlic bread to soak up the sauce.