Southern Charm Chicken Spaghetti: A Zesty Baked Delight 🍗🍝✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly combines spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors, look no further than Southern Charm Chicken Spaghetti. This spicy chicken spaghetti casserole is an irresistible pasta dish that captures the essence of Southern comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its flavorful twist and satisfying textures.
2. Ingredients for the Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to customize this Southern chicken casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or spice levels to suit your taste buds.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Spicy Chicken Spaghetti
Preparation of Ingredients
Begin by boiling the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, prepare the chicken and vegetables for mixing.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the shredded cooked chicken and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until flavors meld.
Combine the Sauce and Pasta
In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the cooked chicken mixture to the sauce and stir well. Incorporate the cooked spaghetti, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
Bake to Perfection
Transfer the combined mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
Allow the spicy chicken spaghetti casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal the next day. For longer storage, consider freezing portions and enjoying them within a month.
5. Serving Suggestions for an Irresistible Experience
Serve this spicy chicken spaghetti casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. It’s an all-in-one dish that’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for family dinners and potlucks alike.
6. FAQs about Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the pasta and sauce ahead, assemble in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.
Can I adapt the spice level?
Yes, adjust the cayenne pepper or diced chilies to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make it gluten-free, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta available at most stores. Check labels on canned soup for gluten content.
How long does it take to prepare?
The total prep and cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensure even cooking and easy cleanup while preparing this spicy chicken spaghetti casserole.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Simplifies chopping vegetables and reduces prep time.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Perfect for keeping your chicken warm or preparing chicken in advance.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 – For quick roasted or chicken cooking options that enhance flavor before mixing into the casserole.
8. Related Recipes You Might Love
9. Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a spicy chicken spaghetti casserole to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a fiery twist. This Southern chicken casserole offers a delightful blend of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and cheesy goodness that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t forget to experiment with spice levels and add your favorite toppings to make this dish uniquely yours. Ready to enjoy a hearty, zesty dish? Give this recipe a try and impress your family or guests today!
Print
Southern Charm Chicken Spaghetti: A Zesty Baked Delight
Experience the comforting and spicy flavors of Southern Charm Chicken Spaghetti, a baked dish that combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful spices, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is a zesty twist on classic comfort food that will impress everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet until fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup with half of the shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Add the chicken mixture to the sauce and stir well.
- Incorporate the cooked spaghetti, ensuring it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting cayenne pepper or green chilies.
- Add your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Contains meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Fifty grams
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg