Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring tender chicken, spaghetti, a creamy cheesy sauce, and vibrant bell peppers, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the casserole
- 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
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup green onions (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for chicken)
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Wash and chop the vegetables.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Chicken
- In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and let it warm up. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
Boil the Spaghetti
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Shred the Chicken
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Create the Casserole Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, chopped bell peppers, cream of chicken soup, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading evenly. Top with half of the cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve warm.
Notes
For best results, consider adding more veggies like peas or corn, experimenting with different cheeses, or making it ahead of time for convenience.