Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- 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
