Description
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a kick of paprika and cayenne pepper. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a hearty one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Meat
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Vegetables
- 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and shred 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 pasta and set aside.
- Mix 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. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor and excellent melting properties.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed greens or a simple salad to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking and Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, spicy chicken spaghetti, cheesy chicken bake, southern casserole, baked spaghetti, comfort food
