Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Recipe Introduction: It’s Casserole Time, Y'all!
Ever had one of those days where only comfort food will do? Honestly, that’s pretty much every day for me.
That's when you need this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti . This is pure comfort food with a kick!
A Little Bit of Southern Charm
This dish ain't fancy, but it is delicious. It's based on classic Southern comfort food recipes, but with a spicy twist.
Chicken spaghetti with Rotel is a classic, but my version turns it up a notch! Perfect for those Easy Week Night Dinners Families or when you need Easy Meals To Feed A Crowd .
It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to make, including 30 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cook time.
You'll end up with 6-8 servings!
Why You'll Love This Casserole
Think creamy, cheesy, and a little bit sassy. This isn't your grandma's bland spaghetti. The Spicy Spaghetti Casserole Recipe makes it special.
It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Plus, chicken provides protein. Fast Weeknight Dinners Families will be a thing thanks to this recipe!
Time To Get Cooking
Now, let's wrangle up those ingredients! Ready to make some magic in the kitchen?
Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to make this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti a reality. Trust me, it's easier than wrangling a herd of cattle! This recipe is seriously one of the Easy Week Night Dinners Families will love.
Ingredients & Equipment
First things first, let's gather our supplies. Don't worry, most of it is stuff you probably already have.
Main Ingredients for Southern Comfort
- Chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Look for plump, pink chicken. Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch.
- Spaghetti: 1 lb (454g) . Classic spaghetti is perfect. If you're gluten-free, use your favorite alternative!
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped. Yellow or white works just fine. I usually grab whatever's on sale!
- Green bell pepper: 1 , chopped. Adds a nice sweetness.
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup (113g) , shredded. Go for sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
- Monterey Jack cheese: ½ cup (56g) , shredded. This gives it that extra melty goodness!
- Condensed Cream of Chicken soup: 1 (10.75 oz/305g) can . You know, that pantry staple.
- Diced tomatoes & green chilies (Rotel): 1 (10 oz/283g) can . The key to that Southern kick!
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (226g) . Make sure it's softened or you'll have lumps in your sauce. No one wants that!
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml) . Whole milk makes it extra creamy.
- Chicken broth: ½ cup (120ml) . Low sodium is best.
- Hot sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml) . I love Louisiana hot sauce, but use your fave.
This spicy spaghetti casserole recipe can easily be scaled up for Easy Meals To Feed A Crowd , just double or triple the ingredients! I remember one time I made this for a church potluck, and it was GONE in minutes.
Seasoning Notes for the Flavorful Spaghetti
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti needs the right seasoning.
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp (5g)
- Onion powder: 1 tsp (5g)
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp (2.5g) . This gives it a smoky depth.
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp (5g) . Adds a classic Italian touch.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
No oregano? Use Italian seasoning. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Hot sauce spaghetti recipe .
Equipment Needed
Alright, gear up folks!
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Large pot: For cooking the spaghetti.
- 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish: A must have for any casserole.
- Colander: For draining the spaghetti.
- Mixing bowls: To mix everything together.
Don't have a 9x13 pan? Two smaller pans will work too. This Cheesy chicken spaghetti bake is super flexible.
So there you have it! All the ingredients and tools you need to make this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti .
Now, let's get cooking! This is definitely one of the Fast Weeknight Dinners Families will adore. And hey, if you're wondering what Sides That Go With Chicken , a simple salad or some garlic bread always hits the spot.
Cooking Up Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Oh my gosh, y'all! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of Southern comfort food recipes . We are going to be making Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti ! This ain't your average spaghetti, honey.
It’s a hug in a dish, loaded with chicken, cheese, and a little kick that’ll have you saying "yeehaw!" You can even call it Spicy spaghetti casserole recipe !
Prep Steps: Gettin' Organized
Alright, let's get our ducks in a row. First, you'll need that essential mise en place . Chop your onion and bell pepper.
Mince the garlic. Get your cheeses shredded, and soften that cream cheese. This is where time saving organization tips come into play.
Honestly, doing this ahead of time will make your life so much easier. Easy Week Night Dinners Families are all about efficiency! Plus, quickly grab your 9x13 inch baking dish.
step-by-step: Let's Get Cookin'!
- Cook the Chicken: Season 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts. Sear in a skillet until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Then shred or dice that bird.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook 1 lb of spaghetti until al dente. Drain and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet. Sauté your chopped onion and bell pepper until softened. Stir in minced garlic, about 2 tsp , until it smells divine.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in a 10.75 oz can of cream of chicken soup, a 10 oz can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel, undrained), 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of chicken broth, 2 tbsp of hot sauce (or more, if you're brave), 1 tsp of oregano, ½ tsp of salt, and ¼ tsp of pepper. Simmer that beautiful sauce until smooth.
- Combine: Add your cooked chicken and spaghetti to the sauce. Mix well, making sure everything is coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into that baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of Monterey Jack evenly over the top. Now you have the ultimate Cheesy chicken spaghetti bake !
- Bake: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes , or until bubbly and golden brown.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Spaghetti
Don’t overcook the spaghetti. Al dente is key! It holds its shape better in the casserole. Also, make sure that cream cheese is softened .
Honestly, lumpy sauce ain't nobody's friend. If you want Easy Meals To Feed A Crowd , this is a great recipe for a Fast Weeknight Dinners Families .
Enjoy your yummy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti .
Recipe Notes to Make Your Southern Heart Sing
Alright y'all, before you dive headfirst into this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti adventure, let's chat about a few key things to make sure your casserole turns out absolutely divine.
I’ve been making this dish for my fam for years, so I have picked up a few tricks. Trust me on this one!
Serving Suggestions: 'Cause Presentation Matters!
This ain't just about shoveling food into your mouth, even though it will be tempting. Let's make it look good .
- Plating and Presentation Ideas : I like to serve this straight from the baking dish. Think rustic and charming! Maybe a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of parsley for a little something something.
- Complementary Sides or Beverages : Honestly, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette does wonders. And a glass of sweet tea is Southern comfort food recipes in liquid form, the perfect complement!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Sometimes, there are leftovers. Okay, maybe not sometimes, but if you do have some...
- Refrigeration Guidelines : Pop any leftover spaghetti into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Easy Week Night Dinners Families? You bet!
- Freezing Options : Surprisingly, this freezes pretty well! Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating Instructions : Reheat it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or microwave it in bursts, stirring occasionally.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Don't be afraid to play around with this!
- Dietary Adaptations : To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti. Simple as that.
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : In the fall, you could add some roasted butternut squash for a little sweetness. Trust me, it works!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's be real, this isn't health food, but it's good for the soul!
- Simplified Nutrition Information : It's got protein, carbs, and some healthy fats. Plus, happiness!
- Key Health Benefits : Well, the spices can give your metabolism a little boost. But really, it's about the comfort and joy this dish brings.
Listen, this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It's perfect for Easy Meals To Feed A Crowd or just a chill night in.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Just have fun and enjoy the process. And if you mess up? Well, that's just part of the adventure! You Got This!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to shred the chicken for this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti?
You've got a few options, bless your heart! After cooking the chicken, you can shred it with two forks, which is the classic way. Alternatively, once the chicken is cool enough to handle, you can shred it in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, this is the modern way.
Dicing is also perfectly acceptable if you prefer a chunkier texture, so don't you fret!
Can I make this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time? I'm about as busy as a one-legged cat in a sandbox!
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
This is a real time saver when you're entertaining or just having one of those weeks where you can't see the forest for the trees!
How can I adjust the spice level in this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti recipe? My family has a wide range of tolerance!
Spice is a personal thing, like sweet tea some folks like it syrupy sweet, others prefer it just kissed with sugar. Start with a smaller amount of hot sauce (maybe just a tablespoon) and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Also, consider serving extra hot sauce on the side for those who want an extra kick in their giddy-up.
What's the best way to store leftovers of this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti, and how long will it last?
Leftovers are your friend! Store any leftover Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep it from drying out. Nobody wants dry spaghetti, y'all.
Can I freeze this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
Yes, you sure can! Assemble the casserole, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Just be aware that the texture of the sauce might change slightly after freezing and thawing but will remain delicious.
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
