Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy hug from a dish of *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*. Seriously, this casserole is the definition of comfort food with a southern twist! Picture tender spaghetti mingling with juicy shredded chicken, all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. The kick of spice from the cayenne pepper brings it all home, making it a perfect cozy dinner or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s rich, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful dish that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering dish! Here’s what you’ll need to make your spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole:
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti (make sure it’s al dente for the best texture)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use sharp cheddar for an extra kick)
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (this adds a lovely creaminess)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (the perfect way to add flavor and a little heat)
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color you like will brighten it up!)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (white or yellow onions work well)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that aromatic essence)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (adds depth to the flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season it to your liking)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, so you can enjoy the cooking process without any hiccups!
How to Prepare Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for even cooking, and it ensures your casserole comes out bubbly and golden. No one likes a soggy casserole, right?
Combine the Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s get started! Begin by adding the cooked spaghetti, followed by the shredded chicken. Next, sprinkle in that glorious cheddar cheese—don’t skimp on this part! Then, pour in the cream of mushroom soup and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Toss in the chopped bell peppers and onions, along with the garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined. You want every noodle coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Once everything’s mixed, it’s time to transfer this deliciousness to a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread the mixture evenly—it’ll help everything cook uniformly. If you want an extra cheesy top, feel free to sprinkle a bit more cheddar over the top before baking!
Bake the Casserole
Pop that dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling and the top is starting to turn a lovely golden brown. Ooh, the smell will be irresistible—get ready for your kitchen to feel like a cozy southern home!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dive right in! Let the casserole cool for a few minutes—it’ll make serving much easier and help it hold together. Then, scoop generous portions onto plates, and watch everyone’s eyes light up when they dig in. Enjoy the warmth and flavors of this delightful dish!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you’re probably curious about the nutritional breakdown of this scrumptious *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*. Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But regardless, this casserole is packed with flavor and comfort that you won’t feel guilty about indulging in! Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Want to take your *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* to the next level? I’ve got you covered! Here are some handy tips for making this dish even more delightful:
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, feel free to reduce the cayenne pepper or leave it out altogether. Want more kick? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce!
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix it up! Try pepper jack for a zesty twist, or even a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a gooey texture.
- Vegetable Additions: Sneak in some extra veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini can be tossed in for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Assemble it a day in advance, cover it well, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch! Just reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Yum!
These little tips will not only enhance the flavor but also make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that combines convenience with incredible flavor, then this *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* is for you! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can throw this dish together in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty spices creates an explosion of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for seconds.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Less time scrubbing pans means more time enjoying your meal!
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or game day, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will impress all your guests.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Want it milder? Adjust the spices! Love extra veggies? Toss them in!
- Comfort Food Vibes: There’s something so comforting about a cheesy casserole. It’s like a warm hug on a plate that’ll make everyone feel at home.
This dish truly checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your cooking rotation!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge, let it sit for about 15 minutes to come to room temperature, and then bake as instructed. This makes it super convenient for busy days or when you’re entertaining guests!
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, there are some great sides to consider! A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the casserole. You could also serve some garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any extra cheesy goodness. And for a southern touch, how about some collard greens or roasted vegetables? Yum!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers of that scrumptious *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole*? No worries! Storing and reheating this dish is a breeze, and I’ll walk you through the best methods to keep it tasting just as good as when it came out of the oven.
To store your casserole, first, let it cool completely at room temperature. This step is super important; it helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy. Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you have leftovers, you can also portion them out into airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals. The casserole will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option! Just cut the casserole into individual servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Pop those wrapped portions into a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply move a portion to the fridge to thaw overnight before reheating.
For reheating, you can either use the microwave or the oven. If you choose the microwave, place your portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Just keep an eye on it—no one likes dried-out casserole!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your delicious *spicy southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole* days later, still packed with flavor and comfort!
Print
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and flavorful casserole with a spicy southern twist, combining chicken, cheese, and spaghetti.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti, chicken, cheese, soup, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with additional cheese if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the cayenne pepper.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- 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
