Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*! It’s like a warm hug in a dish, bursting with flavor and that creamy goodness we all crave. Imagine tender spaghetti mingling with juicy, shredded chicken and a zesty blend of tomatoes and bell peppers, all wrapped up in a luscious cream of chicken soup. The real magic? That southern twist! A dash of paprika and garlic powder brings just the right amount of kick to elevate the dish to a whole new level. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
To create this delicious spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti (I like to use a thicker noodle for better sauce adhesion!)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works like a charm for convenience!)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (this gives it that creamy, dreamy texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better!)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (for that spicy kick)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color you like; it adds a nice crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for a fresh touch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic is life!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (this is where the southern twist comes in)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season it just right!)
How to Prepare the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want the casserole to bake evenly and get all bubbly and delicious.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked spaghetti with the shredded chicken. Then, add in that creamy cream of chicken soup—trust me, this is where the magic happens! Next, toss in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced bell peppers, and chopped green onions. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. You want each bite to be packed with flavor!
Now, grab a greased casserole dish and pour that luscious mixture right in. Spread it out evenly so every bit gets that golden touch when it bakes. The final flourish? Top it with your shredded cheddar cheese. Seriously, the more cheese, the better!
Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Just be patient—let it cool for about 5 minutes before diving in. Trust me, the wait is worth it! Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Nutritional Information
This *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* is not only delicious but also packs a punch in terms of nutrition! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 400 calories, with 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It also has around 3g of sugar and 700mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect in this hearty dish!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* turns out perfectly, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, if you like it extra spicy, don’t hesitate to add more diced tomatoes with green chilies or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a creamier texture, you can mix in a little sour cream or cream cheese—yum!
Make sure to grease your casserole dish well to prevent sticking. If you’re prepping ahead, assemble the casserole but wait to add the cheese on top until just before baking. This keeps it from getting too brown in the fridge. And don’t forget—leftovers store beautifully! Just cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days, then reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready for round two!
Variations of the Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many delicious ways to switch up your *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*! For a smoky flavor, try adding some cooked bacon or andouille sausage—yum! To make it lighter, use whole wheat spaghetti and swap the cream of chicken soup for a homemade version made with low-fat milk. If you’re going vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty twist.
And don’t forget about cheese! Experiment with different types, like pepper jack for extra heat or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. You can also throw in some fresh spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is my go-to for this *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*, you can certainly switch it up. Penne or rotini would work beautifully, too. Just make sure to cook it al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this casserole a day in advance! Just assemble everything in the dish, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Wait to add the cheese until you’re ready to bake, though, to keep it nice and melty.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s perfect for a cozy family night or a fun gathering!
Can I freeze leftovers?
You sure can! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level really depends on the diced tomatoes with green chilies you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can opt for tomatoes without chilies or adjust the amount to suit your taste. Trust me, you can make it just right for your palate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful and creamy, with a delightful spicy kick that everyone will love.
- Great for feeding a crowd—just double the recipe for larger gatherings!
- Comfort food at its best, combining classic southern flavors in every bite.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy this dish multiple times!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
You’re going to love how well this *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* stores! After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely before storing them. Just transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to dig in again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you have a whole casserole to reheat, cover it with foil to keep it from drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes until it’s heated through. If you’re just warming up individual portions, a quick zap in the microwave for 1-2 minutes does the trick! Enjoy those comforting leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal complete, I love serving my *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* alongside a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole! You might also consider some warm, buttery garlic bread for that perfect cozy touch. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a side of sautéed green beans or roasted veggies rounds out the plate beautifully. Enjoy every bite!
Z nadrukami
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A flavorful and creamy chicken spaghetti casserole with a spicy southern twist.
Składniki
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the spaghetti, chicken, cream of chicken soup, tomatoes, bell peppers, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Casserole
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Southern
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 400
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 700mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole
