Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish? Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a Zesty Chicken Casserole that blends tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a kick of spice for a cheesy chicken spaghetti that’s pure comfort. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this spicy casserole is quick to prep and bursting with Southern flavor. Let’s make this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole and enjoy its warm, cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Bold & Comforting: Spicy, cheesy, and packed with Southern charm.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
- Customizable: Swap proteins or veggies to fit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: A hit for all ages at any gathering.
- Make-Ahead: Prep early for stress-free meals.
Ingredients for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need for this Southern comfort casserole (serves 8):
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (150g) chopped bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 1 can (10.5 oz, 298g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup (25g) green onions, sliced
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Nonstick spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Cook until just done to keep it tender in this cheesy chicken spaghetti.
- Pasta: Cook spaghetti al dente to hold up in the spicy casserole.
- Cheese: Shred fresh cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- Spices: Adjust cayenne for your preferred heat level in this zesty chicken casserole.
- Soup: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup to control saltiness.
Directions for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Let’s make this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole—a cozy, spicy delight!
Prep and Cook Chicken
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. In a skillet over medium heat, I cook 1.5 lbs chicken breasts in 1 tbsp oil for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). I shred the chicken and set aside.
Cook Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, I cook 8 oz spaghetti until al dente (8–10 minutes). I drain and set aside.
Mix Casserole
In a large bowl, I combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup chopped bell peppers, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp cayenne, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 cup shredded cheddar. I stir until evenly mixed.
Assemble and Bake
I transfer the mixture to the casserole dish and top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar. I bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve
I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with ¼ cup green onions and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 (about 1 cup per serving)
- Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 30g carbs, 25g protein, 15g fat, 2g fiber
Variations for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Try these twists for your cheesy chicken spaghetti:
- Seafood Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Shrimp Scampi Pasta.
- Veggie Boost: Add ½ cup diced zucchini or mushrooms, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Beet Salad with Arugula.
- Milder Flavor: Reduce cayenne to ¼ tsp for a less spicy casserole.
- Pasta Swap: Use penne or rotini for a different Southern comfort casserole texture.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in ½ cup mozzarella or pepper jack with the cheddar.
Storage
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently. To freeze, I cool the casserole, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve in bowls for a cozy, family-style vibe.
- Garnish: Add extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
- Pairing: Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad or Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for balance.
- Portion Size: 1 cup per person as a main dish.
- Occasions: Ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
How can I adjust the spice level?
Reduce cayenne to ¼ tsp or omit for a milder Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole; add more for extra heat.
Can I make it ahead?
Assemble the cheesy chicken spaghetti up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready for a stress-free meal.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, try penne, rotini, or linguine for a different texture in this zesty chicken casserole.
More Dinner Recipes
- Classic Moussaka: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Treat
- Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer
- Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Conclusion
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a spicy kick for ultimate comfort. This Southern comfort casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort. Whip up this spicy casserole and savor its cheesy, zesty perfection!
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 680g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz 225g spaghetti
- 2 cups 200g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup 150g chopped bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 1 can 10.5 oz, 298g cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup 25g green onions, sliced
Instructions
Prep and Cook Chicken
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. In a skillet over medium heat, I cook 1.5 lbs chicken breasts in 1 tbsp oil for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). I shred the chicken and set aside.
Cook Pasta
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, I cook 8 oz spaghetti until al dente (8–10 minutes). I drain and set aside.
Mix Casserole
- In a large bowl, I combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup chopped bell peppers, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp cayenne, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 cup shredded cheddar. I stir until evenly mixed.
Assemble and Bake
- I transfer the mixture to the casserole dish and top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar. I bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve
- I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with ¼ cup green onions and serve warm.
Notes
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