Spicy Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti

Name: Spicy Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 cup diced onions; 1 cup diced bell peppers; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup diced jalapeños; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 tbsp lime juice

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Spicy Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful fusion of classic comfort food with bold, southwestern flair. This dish features a creamy, spicy sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner with a bit of a kick.

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Ingredients for Spicy Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti

Spaghetti is the base of this dish, providing the perfect texture to soak up the creamy sauce. Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and vegetables, adding a subtle richness. The boneless chicken breast offers a lean protein that holds up well in the sauce. Seasoning with salt, black pepper, and paprika gives the chicken a flavorful crust. Onions and bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, while garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic depth. Diced tomatoes and jalapeños bring in freshness and heat, creating the southwestern vibe. Chicken broth builds the sauce’s base, while cheddar cheese and sour cream make it creamy and tangy. Finally, cilantro and lime juice provide a fresh, zesty finish.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on busy nights.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with black beans or chickpeas.
Shred the cheese yourself for a smoother melt; pre-shredded cheese can be clumpy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a simple green salad to add a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta. A side of warm, crusty bread is excellent for mopping up any leftover sauce. Complement your meal with a light, citrusy white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
How can I make it gluten-free?: Simply use gluten-free spaghetti or your preferred pasta alternative.
What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?: Canned diced tomatoes will work just fine in a pinch. Drain them slightly to avoid excess liquid.

Spicy Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to get your spaghetti going. Cook it according to the package instructions, making sure it's al dente. Once done, drain it and set it aside. This way, it’s ready to go when your sauce is finished.

While your pasta is cooking, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning it generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides. You’re looking for a nice golden color here, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic into the skillet with the chicken. Sauté these until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, which should take another 5 minutes or so. Stir occasionally to keep everything cooking evenly.

Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where all the flavors start to meld beautifully. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and sour cream. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is wonderfully creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Now, combine your cooked spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together so that each strand of spaghetti is well-coated in that luscious sauce. It’s important to do this gently to avoid breaking the pasta.

Finish off by adding the chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Toss again to distribute these final touches evenly, and serve your Spicy Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti hot.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights.
Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors.
Uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely already have.
Customizable spice level to suit your taste.
A complete meal in one pot, less cleanup!

Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika

1 cup diced onions

1 cup diced bell peppers

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups diced tomatoes

1/4 cup diced jalapeños

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 tbsp lime juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned.

3. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet, sauté until vegetables are soft.

4. Stir in diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.

5. Reduce heat and add cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.