Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of heat from paprika and cayenne pepper. Perfectly baked to achieve a golden bubbly top, this casserole mixes creamy soup, bell peppers, and pasta for a hearty meal that satisfies craving for Southern-style comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook 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. Remove and shred the chicken once cooled.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 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 until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh and flavorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to suit your spice tolerance.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese provides a balanced tang; mild cheddar works if preferred.
- The casserole can be made ahead, assembled, refrigerated, and baked when ready.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, Southern comfort food, spicy chicken spaghetti, baked pasta casserole
