Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: From Frozen to Fabulous!

Recipes Italian Chef

Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: From Frozen to Fabulous!

Are you craving a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal but short on time? Look no further! This Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is your answer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a delicious and easy-to-make dish. The best part? You can start with frozen chicken breasts! This recipe simplifies the process, saving you precious time without sacrificing flavor.

This casserole is packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a delightful kick of spice. The Instant Pot makes quick work of cooking the chicken and bringing all the flavors together in one pot. Say goodbye to long cooking times and hello to a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
* **From Frozen Chicken:** No need to thaw chicken ahead of time! This recipe works perfectly with frozen chicken breasts.
* **One-Pot Meal:** Less cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in the Instant Pot.
* **Customizable Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and hot sauce to suit your taste.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** This casserole is a modern twist on a classic comfort food favorite.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses readily available and affordable ingredients.
* **Kid-Friendly (with adjusted spice):** Reduce or eliminate the spice for a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 2-3 Frozen Chicken Breasts
* 1 pound Spaghetti
* 1 (24 ounce) jar Spaghetti Sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
* 1 (10 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel), undrained
* 1 (4 ounce) can Diced Green Chilies, undrained (optional, for extra spice)
* 1 cup Chicken Broth
* 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
* 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Hot Sauce (optional, to taste)
* 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
* Optional Garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley, sour cream, green onions

## Equipment

* 6-quart or larger Instant Pot
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Ladle or Spoon for Stirring

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, starting with frozen chicken breasts:

### Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

1. **Add Broth:** Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the Instant Pot.

### Step 2: Layer Ingredients

1. **Place Frozen Chicken:** Place the frozen chicken breasts evenly on top of the chicken broth. Don’t worry about thawing them; the Instant Pot will take care of that.
2. **Break Spaghetti:** Break the spaghetti noodles in half (or thirds if you prefer shorter noodles) and layer them crisscrossing over the chicken. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking together during cooking.
3. **Add Sauce:** Pour the jar of spaghetti sauce evenly over the spaghetti noodles.
4. **Add Soup:** Spoon the condensed cream of mushroom soup over the spaghetti sauce. Try to distribute it somewhat evenly.
5. **Add Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel):** Pour the can of Rotel (undrained) over the soup layer.
6. **Add Optional Green Chilies:** If you like an extra kick, add the can of diced green chilies (undrained).
7. **Sprinkle Seasonings:** Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using) evenly over the ingredients.

### Step 3: Pressure Cook

1. **Seal the Lid:** Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position.
2. **Cooking Time:** Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. The cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the thickness of the frozen chicken breasts. Thicker breasts may require a few extra minutes.
3. **Natural Pressure Release:** After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. This helps prevent the sauce from splattering when you release the pressure. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

### Step 4: Shred Chicken and Mix

1. **Remove Chicken:** Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Return Chicken:** Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot.
3. **Stir Everything Together:** Thoroughly stir the chicken, spaghetti, sauce, and other ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to mash the spaghetti noodles.

### Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt

1. **Sprinkle Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. **Melt the Cheese:** You have a few options for melting the cheese:
* **Instant Pot (Recommended):** Place the lid back on the Instant Pot (no need to seal) and set it to the ‘Keep Warm’ setting for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
* **Oven:** Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish. Preheat your oven broiler. Broil for a few minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be very cautious when using the broiler to avoid burning the cheese.

### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, sour cream, or green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
2. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole warm and enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Be careful not to overcook the spaghetti. Aim for al dente; it will continue to cook slightly as it sits.
* **Adjust Spice Level:** If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the chili powder and hot sauce. You can always add more at the end if needed.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Breaking the spaghetti noodles into smaller pieces and layering them crisscrossing helps prevent them from sticking together. Also, avoid stirring the casserole before pressure cooking.
* **Thickening the Sauce:** If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by simmering it on the ‘Saute’ setting for a few minutes with the lid off, stirring constantly.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Add them when you add the spaghetti sauce.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for extra spice or Parmesan for a richer flavor.
* **Adjust Cooking Time for Chicken Breast Size:** The recommended cooking time is suitable for average-sized frozen chicken breasts (around 6-8 ounces each). If your chicken breasts are significantly larger or smaller, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Layering is Key:** The order in which you layer the ingredients is important. The liquid at the bottom helps create steam for pressure cooking, and the spaghetti on top prevents it from burning to the bottom of the pot. The heavier items on top help keep the noodles submerged.
* **Dairy Sensitivity:** If dairy is a concern, use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup substitute, dairy-free cheese, and use plant-based milk for mixing if required after cooking.
* **Low Sodium:** use low-sodium chicken broth and low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomatoes and diced green chiles.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Creamy Tomato Sauce:** Use a creamy tomato sauce instead of plain spaghetti sauce for an extra rich and flavorful casserole.
* **Ground Beef or Turkey:** Substitute ground beef or turkey for the chicken. Brown the ground meat in the Instant Pot using the ‘Saute’ function before adding the other ingredients. Reduce pressure cooking time by 5 minutes if using cooked ground beef or turkey.
* **Italian Sausage:** Add cooked Italian sausage for a hearty and flavorful twist.
* **Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini, squash, or eggplant, for a vegetarian version.
* **Different Pasta Shapes:** While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Adjust cooking time accordingly. Shorter pasta shapes might cook a bit faster.
* **Spicier Casserole:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick. You can also use a hotter variety of diced green chilies.
* **Mexican-Inspired:** Use salsa instead of spaghetti sauce, add a can of black beans, and top with sour cream and guacamole for a Mexican-inspired casserole.
* **Healthier Version:** Use whole wheat spaghetti, reduced-fat cheese, and lean ground turkey or chicken for a healthier version.
* **Different Cream Soup:** Cream of celery, cream of chicken or even cream of broccoli can be used instead of cream of mushroom soup.

## Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a crisp side salad with your favorite dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta dish.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, for a healthy and balanced meal.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs well with this casserole.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a great way to end the meal.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from cold.
* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the casserole seems dry.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fiber: 3-5 grams

## Printable Recipe Card

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## Conclusion

This Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, especially when you need a hearty meal that starts with frozen chicken. The customizable spice level and endless variations make it a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful casserole that the whole family will love!

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