Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and a touch of heat, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.

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. Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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 until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
• Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you want to boost the heat.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just cook it until al dente and proceed with the recipe as written.

Is this casserole very spicy?

The heat level is moderate due to the cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the spice by reducing the cayenne or omitting it altogether for a milder dish.

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A spicy and cheesy Southern-style chicken spaghetti casserole combining tender cooked chicken, al dente spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, and sharp cheddar cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh green onions for a comforting and flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Pasta

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

Dairy and Cheese

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare the dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
2. Cook the chicken. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove and shred or chop once slightly cooled.
3. Cook the spaghetti. Boil salted water in a separate large pot and cook the spaghetti until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
4. Mix the casserole filling. 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. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Assemble and bake. Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. Rest and garnish. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

• For extra spice, increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the mixture.
• Cream of mushroom soup can be substituted for cream of chicken soup if preferred.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor, or blend with Monterey Jack for creaminess.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

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