instant pot spicy chicken spaghetti casserole with frozen chicken breasts
Myles Kaemmerling
Ingredients
Here’s a list of all the ingredients for an **Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole** using **frozen chicken breasts**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords for better visibility:
- **Frozen chicken breasts** (1.5–2 lbs, no need to thaw)
- **Spaghetti noodles** (8 oz, broken into halves for easy cooking)
- **Diced tomatoes** (1 can, 14.5 oz, with green chilies for added spice)
- **Cream of chicken soup** (1 can, 10.5 oz, for creamy texture)
- **Shredded cheddar cheese** (1 cup, for cheesy topping)
- **Diced onions** (1/2 cup, for flavor base)
- **Minced garlic** (2 cloves, for aromatic depth)
- **Jalapeños** (2–3, diced, for extra heat)
- **Olive oil** (1 tbsp, for sautéing)
- **Italian seasoning** (1 tsp, for herbaceous notes)
- **Paprika** (1 tsp, for smoky flavor)
- **Cayenne pepper** (1/2 tsp, for added spice)
- **Salt and black pepper** (to taste, for seasoning)
- **Fresh parsley** (optional, for garnish)
This **Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole** is perfect for busy weeknights, combining **frozen chicken breasts**, **spicy flavors**, and **creamy cheese** for a comforting meal. Use these **easy Instant Pot recipes** to save time and enjoy a delicious, **one-pot dinner**!
Steps
# Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with Frozen Chicken Breasts
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy dinner recipe? This **Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole** is the perfect solution! Using **frozen chicken breasts**, this recipe saves time without sacrificing taste. Packed with bold spices, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious, stress-free meal.
---
## **Ingredients**
- 1 lb **frozen chicken breasts**
- 12 oz **spaghetti noodles**, broken in half
- 1 (24 oz) jar **spicy marinara sauce** (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 2 cups **chicken broth**
- 1 cup **heavy cream** or half-and-half
- 1 cup **shredded cheddar cheese**
- 1 cup **shredded mozzarella cheese**
- 1 tsp **garlic powder**
- 1 tsp **onion powder**
- 1 tsp **paprika**
- 1/2 tsp **crushed red pepper flakes** (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 tsp **salt**
- 1/4 tsp **black pepper**
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, or extra red pepper flakes
---
## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot**
1. Turn on your **Instant Pot** and select the **Sauté** function.
2. Add a splash of olive oil to the pot to prevent sticking.
### **Step 2: Add Frozen Chicken Breasts**
1. Place the **frozen chicken breasts** directly into the pot. No need to thaw!
2. Sprinkle the chicken with **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **paprika**, **salt**, and **black pepper**.
### **Step 3: Layer the Ingredients**
1. Break the **spaghetti noodles** in half and layer them over the chicken.
2. Pour the **spicy marinara sauce** and **chicken broth** over the noodles.
3. Add **crushed red pepper flakes** for an extra kick.
### **Step 4: Pressure Cook**
1. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to **Sealing**.
2. Select the **Manual/Pressure Cook** setting and set the timer for **10 minutes**.
3. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a **10-minute natural release**, then carefully perform a **quick release** for any remaining pressure.
### **Step 5: Shred the Chicken**
1. Open the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot.
### **Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese**
1. Stir in the **heavy cream**, **cheddar cheese**, and **mozzarella cheese** until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
### **Step 7: Serve and Garnish**
1. Spoon the casserole into bowls or onto plates.
2. Top with optional garnishes like **chopped parsley**, **grated Parmesan**, or extra **red pepper flakes** for added flavor.
---
## **Tips for Success**
- **Adjust the spice level**: Use mild marinara sauce or reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
- **Add veggies**: Stir in spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- **Storage**: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
---
This **Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole** is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe your family will request again and again. Enjoy!