Casseroles have a way of wrapping you up in comfort, don’t they? There’s just something magical about a bubbling dish that brings everyone together. My *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* is a go-to for family gatherings and late-night cravings alike. Imagine a warm, cheesy blend of tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all smothered in a spicy sauce that gives it a kick! I remember making this for a family reunion last summer; everyone was asking for seconds! That’s the power of this dish—it’s not just a meal; it’s a shared experience filled with laughter and love. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Gather these ingredients to whip up your delicious casserole! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for ease!)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned works great, just drain them)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the more, the cheesier!)
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup (this adds creaminess and flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk (for the perfect sauce consistency)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (I love using a mix of colors for a pop!)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for that fresh crunch)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for an extra flavor boost)
- Salt to taste (don’t forget this important seasoning!)
How to Prepare Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps the casserole cook evenly and gives that glorious cheese a chance to bubble up beautifully! So, go ahead and get that heat going while you prep the rest.
Combine the Main Ingredients
Now, in a large bowl, it’s time to bring everything together! Start by adding your 2 cups of cooked spaghetti and 2 cups of shredded chicken. I love using leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken for a quick fix—so convenient! Next, toss in the 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers, and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is well-mixed. You’ll want those flavors to mingle!
Mix the Sauce Ingredients
In a separate bowl, let’s whip up the creamy sauce! Combine the 1/2 cup of cream of chicken soup with 1/2 cup of milk. Add in the 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and well-combined. This sauce is where the magic happens, so make sure there are no lumps—just creamy goodness!
Bake the Casserole
Now, pour that luscious sauce over your spaghetti and chicken mixture and stir it all together until everything is coated. Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t forget to top it off with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese—trust me, it’s worth it! Pop that casserole in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Oh, that smell will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This casserole comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option!
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
- Cheesy Goodness: With a generous topping of melted cheddar, every spoonful is creamy and cheesy—what’s not to love?
- Southern Twist: The hint of spice and the hearty ingredients give this dish that comforting southern flair that feels like home.
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to make sure your *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* turns out perfect every time!
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep, I always recommend using rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor without any extra cooking!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more cayenne pepper. But if you’re serving kids or those who prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount or even omit it altogether!
- Store Leftovers Properly: Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, and trust me, they make for a delicious lunch the next day!
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, do it in the oven for the best texture—just cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from getting too brown. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for my *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This hearty dish is packed with protein from the chicken and lots of cheesy goodness, making it a satisfying meal. Enjoy every bite without the guilt!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about this *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*, so let’s dive into some common ones I get!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can swap it out for any pasta you like. Penne or rotini would work beautifully too!
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries! You can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some spinach, zucchini, or even corn. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies and make it your own!
What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
The best way is to reheat in the oven at a low temperature, covered with foil to keep it from drying out. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
For sure! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free. You won’t miss a beat!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, I love to pair my *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* with a few simple sides that complement its flavors perfectly. Here are some of my favorites:
- Garlic Bread: Nothing beats a warm slice of garlic bread to soak up that cheesy goodness! It adds a lovely crunch and buttery flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole beautifully. I like to add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta for extra flair!
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add a pop of color and a healthy touch. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw brings a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole. The crunchiness of the cabbage is just the right match!
- Pickles or Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of extra kick, serving some pickles or jalapeños on the side adds an exciting twist and a nice crunch!
With these sides, you’ll have a complete meal that’s satisfying, colorful, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, your family will be asking for this combo again and again!
Drucken
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A flavorful and cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole with a spicy southern twist.
Zutaten
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken.
- Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and green onions to the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, milk, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Pour the soup mixture over the spaghetti and chicken mixture, and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Southern
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole
