Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a spicy kick for ultimate comfort.
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.