If you’re craving comfort food with a kick, you’re going to absolutely adore this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness infused with bold Southern spices and a little heat that warms you from the inside out. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for a gathering, this casserole delivers on flavor and satisfaction every single time. The tender chicken, melty cheddar, and spaghetti all come together in one luscious dish that feels both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that pack tons of flavor and create a comforting texture. Each component plays a key role—from the juicy chicken breast providing protein to the sharp cheddar adding that signature cheesy pull and the spices delivering the perfect Southern heat.
- Chicken breasts (3-4, about 1.5 lbs): Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and shredding, they form the hearty base of the casserole.
- Spaghetti (8 oz): Cooks up al dente, offering a familiar pasta texture that holds sauce well without getting mushy.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): This cheese brings a creamy, tangy richness that melts beautifully throughout.
- Fresh bell peppers (1 cup, chopped): Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness to balance the spice.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Acts as the velvety binder that glues all the ingredients together in creamy harmony.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Provides Smoky warmth that is classic to Southern dishes.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp): Packs the spicy punch, enhancing the dish’s southern kick without overwhelming.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds savory depth that complements both the chicken and cheese perfectly.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Used at the end for a fresh, slightly sharp garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to grease a large casserole dish well; this helps in easy serving and prevents the cheesy crust from sticking, which is a total win!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
In a large pot or skillet, cook your chicken breasts over medium heat for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. This step ensures tender, juicy chicken that will shred easily and absorb all the wonderful flavors in the next steps.
Step 3: Boil and Drain Spaghetti
While the chicken cooks, bring salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Al dente pasta keeps the casserole from getting mushy after baking, which is key to enjoying every bite.
Step 4: Mix Your Casserole Ingredients
Once your chicken is cooked and spaghetti drained, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. 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. Stir everything until it’s nicely mixed and seasoned.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Transfer your creamy chicken and pasta mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top—this will create that irresistible golden, bubbly cheesy crust. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until you see the cheese bubbling and it’s beautifully browned.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about five minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a zingy and colorful touch.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the green onions are classic, don’t shy away from adding a dollop of sour cream or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for extra brightness. A sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes on individual plates can also dial up the heat if you love it spicy!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with crisp green salads or southern-style coleslaw to balance the richness. You could also serve it alongside some buttery cornbread or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins for personal portions, adding a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter for an extra crunchy topping before baking. This makes your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container to retain moisture and flavor, perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. If frozen after baking, wrap the dish well and reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, the oven is your best friend. Bake leftovers at 350 degrees until warm throughout, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re short on time, microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, but be careful not to overdo it or the pasta might dry out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and holds the sauce well here, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.
How spicy is this casserole?
The heat from the cayenne pepper is noticeable but well balanced by the creamy cheese and sweet bell peppers. You can adjust the cayenne amount to your liking—add more for extra kick!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well. This keeps all the heartiness and flavor intact.
Is it better to use fresh or canned soup?
For convenience, canned cream of chicken soup works perfectly in this recipe and helps achieve the classic creamy texture. However, homemade or low-sodium versions can make it healthier without sacrificing taste.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to add extra nutrition and texture. Just be mindful of moisture content so the casserole stays creamy and not watery.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s that comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and whip up a casserole that’s spicy, cheesy, and downright irresistible.
Print
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender cooked chicken, al dente spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices and creamy soup. Baked to golden perfection with a cheesy topping and garnished with fresh green onions, it’s a perfect meal to satisfy craving for Southern-inspired, cheesy casserole goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
Dairy and Cheese
- 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) and grease a large casserole dish to prepare it for baking the casserole evenly without sticking.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until they turn golden and are thoroughly cooked through. Remove and shred or chop the chicken once cooled.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- 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. Stir well until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the casserole is heated through and ready to serve.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then garnish with freshly sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and a mild onion flavor to the dish.
Notes
- Cooking chicken in a pot can be substituted with grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity for more or less spiciness based on preference.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor impact; other cheeses can be used for variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure spaghetti is not overcooked to avoid mushy casserole texture.
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