Description
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and kicked up with bold Southern spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd!
Ingredients
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz spaghetti
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup chopped red or yellow bell peppers
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional but highly recommended)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a large casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, cook chicken breasts over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then shred.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Mix the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon (if using).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
Swap spaghetti for rotini or penne for a fun texture change.
Rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time.
For a less spicy version, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated easily.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg