Description
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts combined with al dente spaghetti, creamy chicken soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of southern spices including paprika and cayenne pepper. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh green onions, this casserole is a hearty and spicy twist on a classic cheesy pasta bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Spaghetti
- 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
Other Ingredients 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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Boil Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti 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. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh, crisp flavor.
Notes
- You can use any color bell peppers or a mix for added flavor and color.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
- Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup if you want to reduce the sodium content.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a creamier casserole, add 1/4 cup of milk or sour cream to the mixture before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, southern casserole, baked chicken pasta, spicy cheesy pasta bake
