Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combines tender chicken breasts, hearty spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a kick of cayenne pepper for a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfectly baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this casserole is a delicious meal that brings Southern flair and a spicy twist to your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- 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 thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and a pop of color.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to increase or decrease the spiciness according to your taste.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting results compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Substitute bell peppers with jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, Southern casserole, baked chicken pasta, comfort food, spicy cheddar chicken
