Description
A hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired casserole combining tender chicken, spicy seasonings, creamy soup, and melty sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and baked to bubbly golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Seasonings and Sauce
- 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). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Mix ingredients: In a large 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. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness.
- For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of milk or cream with the soup mixture.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking, stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 1/6th casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, spicy chicken spaghetti, cheesy casserole, southern comfort food, baked pasta dish
