Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, creamy soup, vibrant bell peppers, and a blend of bold spices. Topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal with a spicy kick that’s perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Dairy & 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) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a pot of salted water to boil, then cook the spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large 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 well to ensure even distribution of ingredients and spices.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor and added color.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference; omit it to reduce heat.
- Use multi-colored bell peppers for a vibrant presentation and added flavor variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra creaminess, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Make sure spaghetti is not overcooked to prevent a mushy casserole texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti, spicy chicken spaghetti, southern casserole, baked pasta dish
