Description
Tex-Mex Chicken Spaghetti brings spicy southwestern flair to classic pasta comfort. Creamy, cheesy layers combine tender chicken, zesty peppers, and melted cheese for a hearty dinner that satisfies your craving for bold Texan flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti
- 2 generous cups (473 ml) pulled rotisserie chicken
- 2 ½ cups (283 grams) shredded sharp pepper jack cheese
Protein and Liquid Components:
- 2 (10 ¾ ounces / 305 grams) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (237 ml) chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) adobo sauce from canned chipotles
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 poblano pepper, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot by filling it with water and seasoning generously with kosher salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, create a flavor-packed base by combining the drained spaghetti with cream of chicken soup, rich chicken stock, zesty adobo sauce, and seasoned salt. Introduce finely chopped poblano pepper, vibrant red bell pepper, and diced onion to the mixture.
- Gently fold in the pulled rotisserie chicken, ensuring even distribution throughout the spaghetti mixture. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your personal taste preferences.
- Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese into the mixture, stirring to create a creamy, cheesy consistency that binds all the ingredients together.
- Transfer the entire spaghetti mixture into a 13 by 9-inch (33 by 23 centimeters) baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure a uniform layer of deliciousness.
- Top the dish with the remaining 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese, creating a golden, melty surface that promises a delectable finish.
- Place the baking dish in a preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through completely and bubbling with appetizing intensity.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and add a final flourish of fresh cilantro leaves, which will provide a bright, herbal contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing diners to savor the harmonious blend of Tex-Mex flavors and comforting pasta goodness.
Notes
- Fresh cilantro brightens the entire dish, cutting through rich cheesy layers with a vibrant, herbal pop.
- Prepping this casserole ahead saves time, allowing flavors to deepen while refrigerated before baking.
- Rotisserie chicken provides tender, juicy protein without extra cooking steps.
- Pepper jack cheese melts into a spicy, gooey blanket that transforms the classic comfort food.
- Adobo sauce delivers a smoky, complex undertone that elevates this Tex-Mex inspired spaghetti bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 612 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1075 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg