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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.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

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.
Keyword Casserole, Cheesy, Chicken Spaghetti, Spicy