Description
This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, creamy soups, and a spicy kick from diced tomatoes with green chilies and cayenne pepper. Baked to perfection with a melted cheddar cheese topping, it’s an easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for dinner or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (red or green)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
Soups and Canned Goods
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become tender, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed onions and bell peppers, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Add Spaghetti: Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and chicken mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and to cool slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken if short on time.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a creamier casserole, add a splash of milk or half-and-half to the soup mixture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and low-fat soup options.
