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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 ounces spaghetti - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) When I gather the ingredients for Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti, I feel like I’m preparing a warm hug for my taste buds. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. The chicken is the heart of the meal. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and soak up the spices well. The spaghetti adds the perfect comfort base. I always choose a good-quality pasta for the best texture. In the veggies and seasonings, we have a mix of fresh flavors. The onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a savory base. The diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a pop of spice and acidity. Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper are my go-to spices. They give the dish a real kick. I adjust the cayenne to match my heat level preference. Lastly, the chicken broth makes everything come together. It enhances the flavors and keeps the spaghetti moist. The cheese? It's the crown jewel! I love how it melts and adds creaminess. Topping the dish with green onions adds a fresh touch. With these ingredients, you’re ready for a delightful cooking adventure. Each bite will make you smile and feel at home. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. - Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. - Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden brown color. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked. After cooking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice the chicken into strips. - In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. - Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften and smell great. - Next, stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. - Mix everything well and let it cook for another 3 minutes. - Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. - Let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix together. - Add the cooked spaghetti and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything so the pasta is well coated in the sauce. - Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat it all through. - Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts. - Top with the remaining cheese and let it sit covered for a couple of minutes. This makes the cheese all gooey and delicious! Enjoy your spicy Southern chicken spaghetti! To get perfectly cooked chicken, choose thin chicken breasts. This helps them cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Cook them in olive oil on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. You want them golden brown and juicy. Let them rest before slicing to keep all the juices inside. For al dente pasta, boil a large pot of salted water. Add your spaghetti and cook it just until tender, usually around 8-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Make sure to taste it a minute or two before it's done. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it. This keeps the starch that helps the sauce stick. To add depth to your dish, try extra spices. You can mix in dried oregano or thyme for a rich flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also work great. They add brightness and color. Adjust spice levels easily. If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh jalapeños or hot sauce. For a milder dish, cut back on the cayenne and use less Cajun seasoning. Serving Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti with a fresh side salad is a great choice. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well. Garlic bread also makes a nice side. When plating, use a large bowl or plate. Pile the chicken spaghetti high and sprinkle with sliced green onions. This adds color and a fresh taste. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top can make it even more appealing. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly compared to canned or frozen options. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavor combination. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Sausage brings a hearty flavor and pairs well with the sauce. For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu. Both options are rich in protein and will soak up all the flavors. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free spaghetti. Look for types made from rice or quinoa. These alternatives work well and keep the dish tasty. To maintain flavor, try adding more spices. You can also use a low-sodium broth to keep it rich without gluten. Do you want to change the spice level? You can add more cayenne pepper for heat. If you like it milder, reduce the amount of cayenne. Another method is to add a dollop of sour cream when serving. This will cool down the dish while keeping the flavors alive. To store leftover Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it again for lunch or dinner! If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Divide the spaghetti into portions and use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, toss it out. For the best storage, use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These help keep your food safe and tasty. You can serve this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Green salad: A fresh salad adds balance. - Coleslaw: The crunch pairs well with the pasta. These sides enhance your meal and make it more filling! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prep in advance: Cook the chicken and sauce a day before. - Store separately: Keep the pasta and sauce in different containers. - Reheat gently: Warm them on low heat to avoid drying out. This makes meal prep easy and tasty for busy days! If you want more heat, try these tips: - Add more cayenne: Increase the amount to your taste. - Use hot sauce: Stir in your favorite hot sauce for a kick. - Chili flakes: Sprinkle some red chili flakes on top when serving. These ideas help you enjoy the spice without losing flavor! Yes, this dish can be kid-friendly. Here’s how: - Mild the spice: Reduce cayenne and Cajun seasoning. - Add cheese: Kids love cheesy dishes, so use extra cheddar. - Serve with veggies: Include a side of veggies for balance. These changes make the dish enjoyable for everyone! This blog post covered a tasty recipe for Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti. We explored key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and spices, and shared steps for making the dish. You learned tips for cooking chicken and pasta perfectly and how to adjust flavors to your liking. Remember, you can swap proteins or even make it vegetarian. Whether you store leftovers or serve it fresh, you have options that suit your taste. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table! Enjoy making your spicy creation.

Southern Comfort Chicken Spaghetti

A delicious and hearty chicken spaghetti dish with a Southern twist, featuring a flavorful sauce and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes. Then, slice into strips.
  • Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  • Combine ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and cook for another 3 minutes.
  • Add broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  • Combine spaghetti and chicken: Add the cooked spaghetti and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Cheesy finish: Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Top with the remaining cheese and let it sit covered for a couple of minutes until cheese is melted.
  • Serve and garnish: Plate the chicken spaghetti, and garnish with sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, comfort food, spaghetti