Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon butter Adds richness and helps sauté the onions for a flavorful base.
– 1 medium sweet onion, chopped Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the spice and enhances the overall aroma.
– 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt Brings in essential seasoning to boost the savory notes without overwhelming other flavors.
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Offers a convenient way to add garlic’s depth, making the dish more aromatic and tasty.
– 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup Creates a creamy texture that ties all the ingredients together for a comforting feel.
– 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies Infuses the casserole with spice and acidity, giving it that Southern kick.
– 1 pound pasteurized processed cheese, cut into cubes Melts smoothly to provide the cheesy goodness that makes this casserole irresistible.
– 1/3 cup milk Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency, ensuring the mixture blends well.
– 3 cups chopped, cooked chicken Serves as the main protein, adding heartiness and making the dish filling.
– Black pepper to taste Allows you to adjust the seasoning for a personalized touch of heat and flavor.
– 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked according to package directions Forms the base, providing the pasta element that absorbs the flavors beautifully.
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Tops the casserole with extra melt and a sharp taste that elevates the final dish.
Instructions
First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Start by chopping your 1 medium sweet onion and cutting 1 pound of pasteurized processed cheese into cubes. Measure out items like 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. This mise en place takes about 10 minutes and ensures everything is ready, allowing for smooth cooking. For those with dietary preferences, you can swap the chicken for a plant-based option here to keep it versatile.
Second Step: Cook the Base In a large skillet, melt the 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until it softens. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, then add the 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup and 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, adjusting for spice if needed.
Third Step: Mix in the Cheese and Chicken Reduce the heat to low and add the 1 pound cubed cheese, stirring until it melts completely, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Pour in 1/3 cup milk to create a creamy sauce, then mix in 3 cups chopped cooked chicken and black pepper to taste. This step, lasting around 5 minutes, is where the Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti casserole really comes together, and you can add more veggies for extra nutrition.
Fourth Step: Combine with Pasta Cook 12 ounces spaghetti according to package directions, then drain and add it to the skillet with the sauce mixture. Stir everything well to coat the pasta evenly, which should take 2-3 minutes. At this point, the dish is almost ready, and you can make it gluten-free by using appropriate pasta to fit various needs.
Fifth Step: Assemble and Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This final step ensures the Spicy Chicken Spaghetti casserole is hot and flavorful, with the option to cover it if you prefer a softer top.
Last Step:
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🧀 Use good-quality processed cheese for creamy texture.
🌶️ Adjust green chilies to control the spice level.
🍗 Pre-cooked chicken makes preparation faster and easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving