Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of heat from spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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.
3. Step 3: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture.
• Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
• Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for additional spice.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Just mix it in as directed without additional cooking.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 82 reviews

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts, al dente spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices baked to bubbly perfection. This comforting casserole features a creamy base with a spicy kick from paprika and cayenne pepper, enhanced by fresh bell peppers and green onions for a vibrant Southern-inspired meal.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Pasta

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

Cheese & Dairy

• 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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to ensure easy removal of the baked casserole.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces once cooled slightly.
3. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil salted water in a large pot and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly and set aside.
4. Combine 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. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients and spices.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust during baking.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
7. 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, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• For a spicier dish, increase cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Bell peppers add a fresh crunch but can be omitted or substituted with other veggies like diced tomatoes or jalapeños.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, southern casserole, baked spaghetti, comfort food, chicken dinner