FAQ 1 — What to add to spaghetti sauce to jazz it up?

To jazz up spaghetti sauce, start with garlic and onions. Sauté them until fragrant. Add olive oil or a pat of butter for richness. Stir in a splash of red wine or balsamic for brightness. Season with dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. Balance acidity with a touch of sugar, if needed. Crushed red pepper or jalapeños add heat, to taste. For extra depth, try sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or capers. For Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, I also add smoked paprika and extra red pepper flakes to echo the dish's kick

FAQ 2 — What brings out the flavor in spaghetti sauce?

Flavor blooms with a slow simmer that lets ingredients mingle. Sauté aromatics first to build a savory base. Use quality tomatoes, or tomato paste for depth. Season with salt gradually and taste as you go. A splash of wine or a drizzle of olive oil at the end helps emulsify and lift flavors. Balancing acidity with a touch of sugar can smooth the finish. For Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, the paprika and heat echo Southern flavors even more.

FAQ 3 — What does butter do to spaghetti sauce?

Butter adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce. It can mellow acidic tomato flavors for a softer finish. Finish sauces off heat with a small pat of butter and whisk to emulsify. Too much heat can split fat, so use it in moderation

FAQ When ready to bake, add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if coming from the fridge or freezer. This is still a fast weeknight win. Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole stays vibrant and comforting, even after freezing.What is the best store bought spaghetti sauce?

Best is subjective, but I look for simple ingredients and a balanced flavor. Rao’s is beloved for fresh-tasting sauce, though pricier. Classico and Prego offer dependable, everyday options with solid flavor. Read labels for added sugar and salt, and choose based on your taste and needs. For busy days, a plain, high-quality sauce works fine—you can jazz it up later.

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Best Top Easy 5.

Description

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, kickin’ Southern-inspired pasta bake that’s perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced onion
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, sauté bell peppers and onion over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes).
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, soups, sour cream, 1½ cups cheddar cheese, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes with chilies, and all seasonings. Mix well.
Fold in the cooked spaghetti until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

You can substitute cooked shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken.
If you want a lighter version, use half-fat cream soups and reduced-fat sour cream.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure soups are gluten-free.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
Calories: Approximately 650
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: Approximately 1000 mg
Fat: Approximately 35 g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 40 g
Fiber: Approximately 3 g
Protein: Approximately 30 g
Cholesterol: Approximately 180 mg

Keywords: Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, chicken spaghetti bake, creamy pasta casserole, Southern comfort food, easy chicken pasta