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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/spicy-southern-cheesy-chicken-spaghetti-casserole-recipe/