Description
A flavorful and comforting Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole featuring tender chicken breasts combined with al dente spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices for a spicy kick. This hearty casserole is baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh green onions, making it a delicious Southern-inspired weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Canned Goods
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Spices
- 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 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Mixture: 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 until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor and added color.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce if preferred.
- If desired, use gluten-free spaghetti to make the dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture, or microwave until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, Southern casserole recipe, baked chicken pasta, spicy chicken spaghetti bake
