Description
Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, flavorful, and spicy family favorite, blending southern comfort with bold spices. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish combines tender shredded chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce infused with smoky paprika, chili powder, and cayenne for a fiery kick. Topped with fresh herbs, it’s guaranteed to satisfy craving for comfort food with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until fragrant and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded chicken, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish if baking, or serve directly from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Optional: sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- A splash of heavy cream can add richness to the sauce.
- Best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave or warm in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg