Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
A comforting and flavorful Southern-inspired casserole featuring tender chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and a spicy kick from paprika and cayenne. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this chicken spaghetti casserole combines creamy textures with bold spices and fresh bell peppers, baked to bubbly perfection.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Low Lactose
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 Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, cook the boneless, skinless 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.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: 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 everything together until fully combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh bite.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness level to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and low-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Bell peppers can be replaced with your favorite vegetables such as diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, southern chicken casserole, baked chicken spaghetti, comfort food casserole, quick chicken dinner