Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combining tender chicken, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and a spicy kick from paprika and cayenne, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Low Lactose
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
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink inside, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Allow to cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chopped chicken, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bell peppers, and green onions. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a crustier casserole surface.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This spicy cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less spice according to your preference.
- Leftover casserole can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and low-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Adding chopped jalapeños can increase the heat for those who prefer a spicier dish.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before chopping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Spicy chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti bake, southern comfort food, chicken spaghetti recipe, easy casserole
