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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

4.8 from 8 reviews

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a southern kick. Infused with spices like paprika and cayenne pepper, and enriched with fresh bell peppers and green onions, this casserole delivers comfort food with a spicy twist. It’s an easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks, loved for its creamy texture and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 8 oz spaghetti

Casserole Mix

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Start by boiling or baking the chicken breasts until fully cooked and tender. Once done, allow them to cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese (reserve some cheese for topping if desired), chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy and spicy sauce.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the casserole mixture. Stir well until all components are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and scatter the sliced green onions evenly over the surface.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
  • Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking adds extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, southern comfort food, baked spaghetti casserole, chicken pasta casserole