Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Chop the bell peppers and onion finely. Mince the garlic cloves.
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the spice blend.
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and bell peppers over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the spice mixture and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sour cream. Mix well to form a creamy, spicy sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture in a large bowl. Transfer to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with shredded cheeses evenly on top.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for a minute for crispy topping if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better flavor and meltability.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Use cooked or leftover shredded chicken to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg