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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish with a kick of spice that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, a creamy cheese sauce, and just the right amount of heat, this casserole is easy to make and impossible to resist.
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Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Skillet (optional, for cooking chicken)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces spaghetti cooked and drained
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers optional, for topping

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Rotel, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper). Stir until smooth.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  • Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  • Optional Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers and sprinkle the mixture over the cheese layer.
  • Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

Notes

Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!