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Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, a delectable dish featuring tender chicken, savory spices, and spaghetti noodles in a creamy casserole.

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and bold, zesty flavors in one irresistible casserole.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or more, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • mixing bowls
  • spatula
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken breasts all over with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the seasoned chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  3. Transfer the seared chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  6. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined.
  8. Transfer the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  9. Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, making sure to cover the entire surface.
  10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a combination of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to achieve the perfect level of heat. Don't overcook the spaghetti, and shredding the chicken instead of dicing it creates a more cohesive texture throughout the dish. Letting the casserole rest before serving allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to set up nicely. Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.