Description
A comforting and spicy Southern-style cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole that combines tender chicken breasts, al dente spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of zesty spices baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings, this creamy casserole offers rich flavors with just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
Cheese and Vegetables
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade roux and chicken broth for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free spaghetti and verify that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
