Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
A flavorful and comforting Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of southern-inspired spices baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Spices
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy edge on the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped fresh bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with the sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and a subtle crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken spaghetti casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, southern chicken casserole, spicy chicken pasta bake, comfort food
