Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re craving something comforting yet packed with flavor, then let me introduce you to my *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*. This dish is an absolute game-changer, combining tender spaghetti with creamy goodness and a kick of spice from jalapeños. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat! I still remember the first time I made this casserole for a family gathering—everyone went back for seconds, and I couldn’t help but beam with pride. It’s one of those recipes that just warms your heart and fills your belly. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your household, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti (dried, uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, rotisserie works great!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream (for that rich creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the more, the merrier!)
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (for a pop of color)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (sweet or yellow, your choice)
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 tsp paprika (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip the seasoning!)
How to Prepare the Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness of preparing this *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*! It’s super simple and oh-so-satisfying. You’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when it’s done. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for that perfect bubbly casserole.
- While the oven heats up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water—trust me, it makes a difference! Once cooked, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. This is where the magic starts! Toss in the diced bell pepper, onion, jalapeños, garlic powder, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended.
- Now, add the cooked spaghetti to your creamy mixture and stir gently until it’s all coated in that cheesy goodness.
- Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and golden on top. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-dish wonder—easy to prepare and clean up!
- Loaded with flavors from creamy cheese, zesty jalapeños, and tender chicken.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep for the week.
- Customizable spice levels to suit every palate.
- Comfort food at its finest—ideal for cozy nights in!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t rush the cooking of your spaghetti—al dente is key since it’ll continue to cook in the oven. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a bit of shredded pepper jack cheese for an extra kick! Also, make sure to grease your baking dish well; nobody likes a casserole that sticks. And remember, letting it cool for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes serving way easier. Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your casserole game!
Variations
One of the best things about my *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* is how easily you can mix it up! If you’re in the mood for something different, why not swap out the chicken for cooked sausage or ground turkey? You could even go vegetarian by loading it up with more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. For a twist on spices, try adding some Cajun seasoning for an extra kick or a dash of Italian herbs for a different flavor profile. And if you’re a fan of cheese (who isn’t?), experiment with different types like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a creamy, dreamy experience. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes it so fun!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*, storing the leftovers is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. You can also pop individual portions in the microwave for a quick fix—just be sure to cover them to keep the moisture in. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*. Each serving (about 1 cup) packs around 400 calories, with 20g of fat (10g saturated), 25g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 2g of sugar and 600mg of sodium in there. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements, but this gives you a solid idea of what to expect. Enjoy your cheesy goodness guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use gluten-free spaghetti for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just swap out regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’ll still enjoy all the flavors of this *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* without the gluten.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up all that delicious cheesy goodness!
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, definitely! Just make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level is adjustable! If you love heat, add more jalapeños; if you prefer it milder, just use fewer or leave them out altogether.
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and creamy spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, bell pepper, onion, jalapeños, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole
