Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish blending tender chicken breasts, sharp cheddar cheese, and a zesty kick from cayenne and paprika. Perfectly baked with bell peppers and creamy chicken soup, it delivers a hearty, cheesy pasta casserole that’s ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
- 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 Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Pasta & Dairy
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Vegetables
- 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 and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, cook the boneless skinless chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti to boost fiber content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking adds extra spiciness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti bake, southern casserole, baked chicken spaghetti, comfort food casserole
