Cheesy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Growing up in the South, comfort food was an integral part of my family gatherings, and this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole holds a special place in my heart. It’s that charming combination of flavors that not only warms the belly but also creates a sense of nostalgia and togetherness. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Its melting cheese and just the right amount of spice make it a standout recipe that you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.

What Makes This Recipe Special

One of the things I love most about this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is its versatility. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a crowd. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also kid-approved, with flavors that appeal to both young and old. Plus, the combination of cheesy goodness with a kick of spice transforms a classic pasta dish into something extraordinary.

"This casserole is a hit! My family wiped the dish clean. It’s creamy, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting!" – Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is simpler than you may think, and you won’t need to spend all evening in the kitchen. First, you’ll cook your chicken and pasta, then mix everything you love into a greasy dish before sending it off to the oven. It’s straightforward with minimal fuss, perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up this delicious casserole, here’s what you’ll need:

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Ingredient Tips

Feel free to substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken for quicker prep or use a mix of colored bell peppers to make it visually striking!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.

2. Cook Chicken: In a large pot, cook the chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden and cooked through. Don’t forget to let it cool before shredding!

3. Prepare Spaghetti: Boil salted water and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

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 cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.

5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer this mixture into the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

7. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with sliced green onions before diving in!

Best Way to Serve

This casserole shines when served hot, straight out of the oven. Complement it with a light salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. For those chilly evenings, don’t hesitate to add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of jalapeños on top for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), you can store them in an airtight container. When stored properly, the casserole will last in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions—just make sure to cool the casserole completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, or heat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Pro Chef Tips

• Cook chicken in advance: Preparing chicken ahead saves time on busy days.
• Customize your spices: Adjust the cayenne to meet your spice level preference; feel free to add more if you’re craving a fiery kick.
• Add veggies: Sneak in some spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition without sacrificing taste.

Creative Twists

Feel free to put your spin on this casserole! Substitute the cheddar for mozzarella for a cheesy stretch, or try using spiralized zucchini instead of spaghetti for a low-carb twist. Want to get adventurous? Swap in different proteins, like shrimp or ground turkey, to keep things exciting.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How long does this dish take to prepare?
A: The total time is roughly 45-55 minutes, including cooking and baking.

Q: Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
A: Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti works just as well and adds extra fiber.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: Yes! You can freeze the casserole either assembled before baking or as leftovers after it’s cooked.

Q: What can I pair with this casserole?
A: A crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.

With its creamy texture and spicy kick, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your household. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll love it just as much as you do!

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

This comforting casserole combines the flavors of cheesy chicken and spaghetti with a hint of spice, making it a nostalgic favorite for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
2. Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Let it cool before shredding.
3. Boil salted water and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

This casserole shines when served hot, complemented with a light salad or garlic bread. It can be customized with different proteins and spices to suit your taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: casserole, chicken, spaghetti, comfort food, Southern cuisine