Description
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of bold southern spices. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole combines creamy textures and a spicy kick, making it a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
Other
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients and flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole becomes bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For extra spice, add additional cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
- To make this casserole lower in calories, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and chicken breast without skin.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, southern casserole, baked spaghetti dish, chicken pasta bake, comfort food
