Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect comfort food that brings warmth and deliciousness to your dinner table. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy spaghetti, all topped with a spicy kick. It’s an easy way to bring the flavors of the South into your home.

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll want to make this casserole because it’s not just tasty; it’s also simple to prepare. It uses basic ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup after dinner. This casserole is great for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying as leftovers.

How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

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)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.

How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Serve this dish hot straight from the oven. It’s wonderfully filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread to complete your meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra green onions on top for added freshness!

How to Store Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This casserole will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for later. Just be sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

Tips to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Adjust the spices to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper.
For an extra cheesy casserole, mix in more cheese into the filling.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe. Try adding different vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, or use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a twist on flavor!

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge before baking it. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

2. Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a great alternative and adds extra fiber to the dish.

3. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.