Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender chicken, melted cheddar, and a kick of spice for a truly satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s sure to become a weeknight 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 lightly grease a large casserole dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from heat and shred the chicken.
3. Step 3: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: 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 cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture.
• Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add diced tomatoes or jalapeños for additional flavor and spice.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To freeze, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the cayenne pepper and paprika. You can adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the cayenne, or omit it altogether for a milder version.

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 141 reviews

A comforting Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful blend of spices and bell peppers, baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and packs a delightful spicy kick.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Main Ingredients

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden and are fully cooked through. Remove from pot and shred when cool enough to handle.
3. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Drain 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 well to integrate all flavors thoroughly.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
7. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with the sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh and mild onion flavor.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup of milk or sour cream with the soup before mixing.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level based on your preference.
• Using sharp cheddar cheese provides a robust flavor; however, feel free to substitute with a mild cheddar if preferred.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Make sure chicken is cooked to internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Keywords: Chicken spaghetti casserole, spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken pasta, Southern comfort food, baked spaghetti casserole