Description
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole brings comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, with bubbling cheese and tender chicken that make dinner feel like a warm hug. Creamy pasta packed with southern charm delivers a satisfying meal your family will devour in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup bell peppers
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and casserole vessel by setting the temperature to 350°F and coating a 9×13 inch dish with nonstick spray. Ensure your workspace is clean and organized.
- Place 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of spaghetti and cook for precisely 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
- Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup chopped bell peppers, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for golden brown edges and bubbling cheese as indicators of doneness.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle ¼ cup of sliced green onions across the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture and flavor in your casserole.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper carefully to control the spice level, adding more or less based on your heat preference.
- For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream of chicken soup and use whole wheat spaghetti.
- If preparing ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate, then bake when ready – just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg