Description
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked pasta dish with tender chicken, bold spices, and a golden cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, it’s a comforting Southern-inspired classic with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
8 oz spaghetti
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped fresh bell peppers
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook chicken in a large pot over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- While chicken cooks, boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Shred cooked chicken and place in a large bowl. Add cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to the casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle green onions on top before serving.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for variety.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different pasta shapes like penne or rotini if preferred.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight; add 5–10 minutes to baking time.
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months; bake from frozen at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
