Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender chicken, melted cheddar, and a kick of spice for a satisfying one-pan 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 from heat and shred the chicken.
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 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.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared 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 include diced jalapeños with the bell peppers.
• Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
• Add a splash of hot sauce to the mixture for a tangy kick.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving, adding extra bake time if baking straight from cold.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While spaghetti works well, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or other pasta shapes you have on hand.

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 54 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and spicy Southern-style cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole combining tender chicken breasts, sharp cheddar cheese, bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh green onions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

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

Cheese and Vegetables

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Sauce and Spices

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and shred or chop the chicken once cooled.
3. Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until thoroughly combined.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
7. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set, then garnish with the sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

• For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños with the bell peppers.
• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

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