Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
