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To make this dish, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 ounces spaghetti - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely 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 - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese The right spices make this dish pop. Here’s what to include: - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for your heat level) - Salt and pepper to taste Garnishes add a nice touch to the dish. You might want to use: - 2 green onions, thinly sliced These ingredients combine to create a rich and spicy flavor. They make the chicken spaghetti comforting and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Next, add the spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Now, let’s sauté the chicken. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. While it heats, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and become fragrant. After that, stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for 3 more minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. This step helps all the flavors come together. Now, add the cooked spaghetti and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warm. For the cheesy finish, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts. Sprinkle the rest on top and cover the skillet. Let it sit for a couple of minutes for the cheese to melt perfectly. Finally, plate the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti and garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy your flavorful weeknight meal! To cook chicken well, start with fresh, boneless, skinless breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the chicken brown nicely. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F. Let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy. When cooking spaghetti, use a large pot filled with water. Add a generous pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and stir to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but save a bit of pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. To boost flavors, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. You can also adjust the heat with more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, use smoked salt instead of regular salt. Mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach adds depth and nutrition. Don’t forget to taste your sauce before serving; adjust the seasoning as needed! Pro Tips Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking your spaghetti to al dente ensures it retains a firm texture, allowing it to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy. Season the Chicken Well: Generously seasoning the chicken before cooking will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Adjust the Heat: Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce. Start with less if you prefer a milder dish and add more to taste. Let the Cheese Melt: Covering the skillet after adding cheese allows it to melt evenly, creating a delicious, gooey topping that perfectly complements the dish. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of chicken, use grilled mushrooms or firm tofu. Both options add great texture. For the broth, choose vegetable broth. This keeps the flavor rich. You might also add more veggies, like zucchini or spinach, for extra nutrition. These swaps create a filling meal that everyone can enjoy. If you need a gluten-free dish, swap traditional spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Use rice pasta or chickpea pasta for added protein. Ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free, too. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without worry. Get creative with sauces! Instead of diced tomatoes, try a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different taste. You can also use a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you love heat. For cheese, swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella. Each choice will change the dish's character. Feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite flavor profile! To keep your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti fresh, you need the right storage method. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature. Use an airtight container to store the spaghetti. This helps to keep the flavors locked in and prevents it from drying out. If you have leftovers, you can store them for up to three days in the fridge. Reheating your spaghetti is quick and easy. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, place your serving in a bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to a pan. Heat over medium until warmed through, stirring often. This keeps the pasta moist and tasty. If you want to save your spaghetti for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the spaghetti into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. Your dish can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the reheating tips above. You can use turkey or tofu. Both work well in this dish. For turkey, use the same amount as chicken. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Just cut it into cubes and sauté it until golden. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and sauce, then combine them. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it in a pan on low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. To cut the heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also use less Cajun seasoning. Adding more cheese or a dollop of sour cream can help cool it down too. This blog post covered everything you need for Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and variations for different diets. You learned how to cook chicken perfectly and enhance flavors. Remember, whether you prefer vegetarian options or gluten-free substitutions, this dish can be for everyone. Store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy your cooking journey and have fun exploring all these flavors!

Southern Comfort Chicken Spaghetti

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce.
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, finely 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, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
  • Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and allow it to cook for an additional 3 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to let all the flavors come together harmoniously.
  • Add the previously cooked spaghetti and the sliced chicken into the skillet. Toss everything together meticulously, ensuring that the pasta is fully coated in the savory sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it is melted and combined. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover the skillet, letting it sit for a couple of minutes for the cheese to melt perfectly.
  • Plate the Southern Comfort Chicken Spaghetti, and generously garnish with the sliced green onions for a pop of freshness and color.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls, drizzling a little olive oil on top for shine, and sprinkle a few extra cayenne flakes for a dash of color and a hint of heat!
Keyword chicken, comfort food, pasta, spaghetti