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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

4.8 from 11 reviews

A flavorful and comforting Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combining tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and just the right amount of heat for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti

Cheese & 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 Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled slightly.
  3. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  4. Combine 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. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to your heat preference.
  • Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier result.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding chopped jalapeños can increase the spiciness for those who prefer it hotter.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, southern comfort food, baked chicken spaghetti, spicy cheesy casserole