Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
A flavorful and comforting Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole featuring tender chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy, spicy sauce baked to perfection. This hearty casserole combines classic southern spices and creamy textures that make it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- 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 Salt
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 (mix of red, green, or yellow)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Spices and Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked and no longer pink inside, about 7-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil the Spaghetti: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to integrate the spices and cheese into the sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked shredded chicken, drained spaghetti, chopped bell peppers, and sliced green onions into the sauce mixture. Fold everything gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor impact.
- Bell peppers can be substituted with your favorite mild peppers or omitted if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and cheese.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, southern casserole, spicy chicken pasta, comfort food
