Saucy Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Zippy Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Tex Mex chicken spaghetti bursts with a symphony of zesty southwestern charm, turning an ordinary pasta night into a flavor fiesta.

Creamy, bold textures collide in a culinary dance that elevates comfort food to an art form.

Tender chicken nestles among silky strands of spaghetti, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that sings with spicy undertones.

Melted cheese weaves a luxurious blanket over each spirited bite, transforming simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.

Vibrant peppers and robust seasonings ignite a flavor explosion that dances across your palate with wild abandon.

This dish promises more than just dinner – it delivers a taste adventure that will have everyone craving seconds.

Grab your fork and get ready to fall in love with every single, sensational spoonful!

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 640 kcal

Servings: 5

Things to Prep for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti

For Pasta Base:
  • Spaghetti: Choose a high-quality pasta that holds sauce well and cooks evenly.
  • Kosher Salt: Opt for coarse-grained salt to enhance pasta's natural flavor during boiling.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Select a smooth, creamy brand without excessive additives.
  • Chicken Stock: Look for low-sodium options to control overall salt content.
  • Adobo Sauce: Pick a robust, smoky sauce that adds depth and authentic Mexican flair.
  • Seasoned Salt: Choose a blend with balanced spices and minimal artificial ingredients.
  • Poblano Pepper: Select firm, dark green peppers with no soft spots for maximum flavor.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Pick bright, glossy peppers that feel heavy for their size.
  • Onion: Choose a firm, dense onion with no sprouting or soft areas.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Select a creamy, spicy cheese that melts smoothly and adds kick.
For Protein and Finishing Touches:
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Pick a freshly roasted chicken for maximum moisture and flavor.
  • Cilantro: Choose bright green leaves with no wilting for a fresh, zesty garnish.
  • Black Pepper: Use freshly ground for a more intense, aromatic seasoning.

Tools Required for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and creating a spacious cooking environment.
  • Mixing Bowl: Roomy vessel for combining all ingredients and tossing components together smoothly.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping peppers and onions with precision.
  • Sharp Knife: Reliable tool for dicing vegetables into consistent, bite-sized pieces.
  • Colander: Handy for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
  • 13 x 9-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient portioning.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the bowl.
  • Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking dishes.

How You’ll Cook Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti

How You’ll Cook Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti
  • Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, creating the foundation for a mouthwatering casserole.

  • Craft Flavor Explosion

Chop peppers and onions, creating a colorful medley of vegetables. Mix with spaghetti, adding cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, and adobo sauce. Blend in shredded pepper jack cheese for a creamy, zesty kick.

  • Introduce Protein Magic

Shred rotisserie chicken and gently fold into the saucy pasta mixture. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring every bite bursts with savory goodness.

  • Bake and Transform

Pour the entire mixture into a baking dish, topping with additional cheese. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until the casserole becomes bubbly and the cheese turns golden and irresistible.

  • Garnish and Serve

Pull the steaming casserole from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve immediately, letting the rich Tex-Mex flavors dance on your taste buds.

Kitchen Notes for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti

Kitchen Notes for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti

Mix and match protein options like shredded beef, turkey, or even black beans for vegetarian guests. Swap rotisserie chicken with grilled or roasted chicken for a personalized touch.

Boost heat levels by adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or using hot pepper jack cheese. Control the spiciness to match your flavor preference.

Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or queso fresco. Create a unique cheese blend that elevates the dish’s richness and depth.

Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for perfect heating.

How to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti

  • Garnish with Green Goodness: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top for a burst of color and zesty flavor that brings the whole dish to life.
  • Pair with Cooling Companions: Serve alongside sour cream, guacamole, or a crisp side salad to balance the rich, spicy casserole and add refreshing contrast.
  • Create a Tex-Mex Feast: Complement the dish with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or a quick corn salsa to turn this casserole into a complete, satisfying meal that celebrates bold southwestern flavors.
  • Customize with Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or add a sprinkle of green onions for extra texture and a delightful finishing touch that adds excitement to every bite.

Keep It Fresh Tips for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti

  • Preserve Freshness: Transfer leftover casserole into airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
  • Refrigerate Smartly: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish at a consistent temperature below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months, preserving its delicious Tex-Mex essence for future enjoyment.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain the casserole's creamy texture.
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Saucy Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Saucy Tex Mex Chicken Spaghetti Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Tex-Mex chicken spaghetti brings southwestern comfort to dinner tables across home kitchens. Creamy casserole combines zesty peppers, tender chicken, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (283 g) shredded sharp pepper jack cheese
  • 2 generous cups (473 ml) pulled rotisserie chicken
  • 1 pound (454 g) spaghetti
  • 2 (10 ¾ oz / 305 g) cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (237 ml) chicken stock
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 poblano pepper, finely diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) adobo sauce from canned chipotles
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Boil spaghetti in salted water until perfectly al dente, then drain completely and set aside for the next stage of culinary assembly.
  2. Flavor Foundation: In a large mixing bowl, combine spaghetti with cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, adobo sauce, and seasoned salt. Incorporate finely chopped poblano pepper, red bell pepper, and onion, creating a vibrant and robust flavor profile.
  3. Protein Integration: Gently fold pulled rotisserie chicken into the spaghetti mixture, ensuring even distribution. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to elevate the overall taste complexity.
  4. Cheese Fusion: Blend pepper jack cheese thoroughly into the mixture, creating a creamy, cohesive texture that binds all components together with rich, melty goodness.
  5. Casserole Assembly: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a 13 by 9-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite. Crown the dish with additional pepper jack cheese for a golden, bubbling surface.
  6. Baking Process: Slide the casserole into a preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a deeply satisfying, piping-hot consistency.
  7. Final Touch: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves just before serving, introducing a bright, herbal note that cuts through the dish’s rich and creamy character. Present immediately to capture the peak of flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Boost Pasta Flavor: Salt the water generously before cooking spaghetti to infuse deeper taste into every strand.
  • Manage Pepper Heat: Remove poblano pepper seeds for milder spice or keep them for extra kick, depending on heat preference.
  • Cheese Melting Tip: Shred cheese fresh for superior melting and smoother texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Rotisserie Chicken Hack: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time and add more robust flavor than plain cooked chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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