Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts, al dente spaghetti, and a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. Infused with bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, and garlic, it’s baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheddar cheese crust, making it a perfect family dinner that serves eight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Vegetables and Herbs
- 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- 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 everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for added color and freshness.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding chicken.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level; reduce if you prefer a milder casserole.
- Bell peppers can be substituted with diced poblano or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
