Description
Discover the delicious and healthy taste of our Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. This flavorful dish combines tender shredded chicken, whole wheat spaghetti, and bold spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying, nutritious meal. Perfect for weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a spicy twist on classic comfort food that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by cooking the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Shred into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat vegetables with spices. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for a few minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix thoroughly and cook 3-5 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shredded chicken for quicker assembly.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- Top with cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a golden crust.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sauteing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg