Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
A comforting Southern classic combining creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and al dente spaghetti for a family-friendly dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 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) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the chicken breasts in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions and serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also use gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg