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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combines tender chicken breasts, al dente spaghetti, and a creamy blend of sharp cheddar cheese with a spicy kick from paprika and cayenne pepper. Enhanced by fresh bell peppers and green onions, this comforting casserole is baked until golden and bubbling, making it a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

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

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti

Dairy

  • 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

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
  2. 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. Once done, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until al dente, which is about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. 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 together thoroughly until well combined.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy crust.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

  • For extra heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper to 1 tsp.
  • Use a variety of bell peppers for colorful presentation and added sweetness.
  • If cream of chicken soup is unavailable, substitute with a homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom soup.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, southern casserole, baked spaghetti casserole, spicy cheesy baked pasta

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/spicy-southern-cheesy-chicken-spaghetti-casserole-recipe/