Spicy Southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole in a dish

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

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why make this recipe

This casserole is warm, cheesy, and a little spicy. It cooks in one dish. You can make it for a weeknight dinner or for guests. The flavors are simple and family friendly. Try it with a sweet side like Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole for a full meal.

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introduction

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is an easy, hearty dish. It has tender chicken, melted cheddar, and a mild kick from cayenne and paprika. You mix cooked chicken and spaghetti with cream soup and peppers, then bake until bubbly. This meal fills plates fast and tastes like home.

how to make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Follow the steps below to make this casserole. You can prepare parts ahead to save time. Cook the chicken and pasta first, then mix and bake.

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 :

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

how to serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Serve hot from the oven. Cut into squares and place on plates. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables. For a southern touch, serve with a sweet side like Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole.

how to store Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil or store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave single servings.

tips to make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Do not overcook the spaghetti; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Taste the mix before baking. Add a little more cayenne if you like more heat.
  • For more cream, add 1/4 cup milk to the mix. See a sweet side idea here: Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole.

variation (if any)

  • Make it milder: skip the cayenne or reduce to 1/4 tsp.
  • Make it creamier: add 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese to the mix.
  • Add vegetables: stir in corn or peas for color and texture.
  • Use different cheese: Monterey Jack or Colby work well.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw and cook it fully before shredding and mixing.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and keep in the fridge. Bake within 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold.

Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: It is mildly spicy. You can reduce or omit the cayenne to make it gentle for kids.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: You can freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap well and thaw in the fridge before baking.

Conclusion

For another take on spicy chicken pasta that inspired this style, see Spicy Chicken Spaghetti – Spicy Southern Kitchen (https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/spicy-chicken-spaghetti/).

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole is warm, cheesy, and a little spicy, combining chicken, cheddar, and spaghetti for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 pieces 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 cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust according to your spice preference.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)

Method
 

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

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Taste the mix before baking and add more cayenne for extra heat. For a creamier texture, consider adding 1/4 cup milk to the mix.