Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting dish packed with bold flavors and gooey cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a spicy kick for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and shred the chicken once cooled slightly.
3. Step 3: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine 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 combine.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on the edges.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a dash more cayenne pepper to the mixture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
• Swap out bell peppers for diced green chilies to change up the flavor profile.
• For a creamier texture, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. For best texture, reheating in the oven is recommended.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional for this casserole, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or any pasta you prefer.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from chilled.

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 137 reviews

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful spices in a comforting baked pasta dish. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it features a spicy kick from paprika and cayenne balanced with creamy cheddar and bell peppers for texture and color.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Meat

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti

Dairy & Cheese

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

Vegetables & 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

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Then shred or chop the cooked chicken.
3. Cook spaghetti: Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook the spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. 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 thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients and spices.
5. Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
7. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving warm.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade or low-sodium alternative for a healthier version.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
• For additional veggies, consider adding mushrooms or diced tomatoes to the mix.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: chicken spaghetti casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, spicy southern casserole, baked pasta dish