Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
A warm and comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy soup, zesty spices, spaghetti, and cheese, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Divided (1 cup for mixture and 1 cup for topping)
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 cup green onions, sliced For garnish
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Substitutes and Alternatives
- Turkey breasts or rotisserie chicken As a chicken substitute
- Monterey Jack or Colby cheese As a cheese alternative
- Homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom soup As a substitute for cream of chicken soup
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta As a spaghetti substitute
- Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach As alternatives to bell peppers
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare your workspace and gather all ingredients and kitchen tools.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat a large pot over medium heat, season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 75°C). Remove from pot and let cool slightly before shredding.
Boiling Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Mixing Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix until fully combined.
Assembling Casserole
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake casserole for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
Serving
- Let casserole rest for about 5 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions and serving.
Notes
This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for 2-3 months.