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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- 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.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- 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
