Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty blend of tender chicken, spaghetti, bell peppers, and sharp cheddar cheese, this casserole embodies comfort food with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cooked and shredded
- 8 ounces spaghetti Cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Divided, for mixing and topping
- 1 cup chopped fresh bell peppers Add vibrant color and crunch
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces) Acts as a creamy binder
Spices
- 1 teaspoon paprika For warmth and color
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for more heat if desired
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds depth of flavor
Garnish
- 0.25 cup sliced green onions For garnish after baking
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Mixing
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
- Fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until well mixed.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions.
Notes
For a creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream before baking. Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep, or try a spicy pepper jack cheese for an added kick.