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A delicious Zesty Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake featuring golden baked spaghetti topped with melted cheese, colorful spices, and tender chicken pieces in a cozy casserole dish.

Zesty Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

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Discover the comforting and flavorful Zesty Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake, a hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, melted cheese, and a spicy tomato base. Perfect for family dinners and entertaining guests, this Southern-style chicken pasta bake offers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken chicken
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the mixture.
  4. Stir in shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Add sour cream and mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese and optional Parmesan.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use cooked, shredded chicken for convenience, or poach chicken breasts beforehand.
  • Adjust spicy ingredients like chili powder and diced chilies to taste for milder or hotter versions.
  • For a crispier top, add more cheese or broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg