Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful dish that combines cheesy goodness with a hint of spice. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. The creamy texture and bold flavors make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or pasta!
How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Serve this delicious casserole warm. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. You can also add extra green onions or a sprinkle of hot sauce on top for an extra kick!
How to Store Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti. Al dente texture is best as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste.
- Adding your favorite vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, can enhance the dish and provide more nutrition.
Variation
You can make this recipe lighter by using whole wheat spaghetti and reduced-fat cheese. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with cooked black beans or sautéed mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to eat, bake it directly from the freezer. You may need to add a few more minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole goes well with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with cornbread for a complete southern meal.
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish that combines cheesy goodness with a hint of spice, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider garnishing with extra green onions and a sprinkle of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, pasta, cheesy, southern, spicy
