Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole served in a dish

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

BySavannah Brooks
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is perfect for those who enjoy comfort food with a bit of a kick. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, making it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings. It is an easy one-dish meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 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)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
  2. Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  3. Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  4. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.

How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole can be served hot straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s a cozy dish that makes for a great family dinner or a potluck meal.

How to Store Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it in a safe container for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

  • For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking it.
  • You can adjust the level of spice by using more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste.
  • Mixing in other vegetables like corn or zucchini can add extra nutrition and flavor.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a low-fat version or a homemade white sauce. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta.

FAQs

Q: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, leftover chicken works great! Just shred and mix in with the other ingredients.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It has a mild to moderate spice level due to the cayenne pepper. You can reduce the amount if you prefer it less spicy.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance, then just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and spicy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
  2. Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  3. Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  4. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking. You can adjust the spice level by altering the amount of cayenne pepper.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Avatar photo

Hi, I’m Savannah Brooks, 35 years old, born in Charleston, South Carolina, and now living in Seattle, Washington. My kitchen is small but full of life shelves stacked with spices from all over the world, a sourdough starter that feels like part of the family, and usually a pot bubbling away with something hearty and comforting.

Food has always been the center of my world. Growing up in Charleston, I was surrounded by Southern cooking shrimp and grits, okra stews, biscuits that could melt in your mouth. My grandmother was the first person who showed me that recipes are more than instructions they’re stories passed from one hand to another. I still keep her stained recipe cards in a box, though I’ve long since memorized every one.

My path wasn’t traditional. I studied journalism first, thinking I’d write stories for a living. And I do but now I write them on the plate. After years of working late nights in small cafés, catering weddings, and even running a food truck, I found my true rhythm in cooking that bridges my Southern roots with global inspiration. These days, you’ll find me folding lemongrass into chicken soup, adding harissa to cornbread batter, or topping fried green tomatoes with a touch of miso.

I don’t believe cooking is about perfection it’s about connection. My kitchen is a place for experiments, happy accidents, and plenty of laughter. I’ve burned cookies, curdled sauces, and dropped more than one cake. But every mistake taught me something, and every shared meal reminded me why I love this work.

I cook for people who want food that feels like home but isn’t afraid to wander a little. My hope is that when someone takes a bite of my food, they feel cared for, seen, and maybe a little inspired to try something new in their own kitchen.

So, welcome to my world where Southern comfort meets global curiosity, and every dish tells a story.

Other recipes

Delicious ground beef enchiladas topped with cheese and sauce

Ground Beef Enchiladas

ByELENE

why make this recipe Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal. They are easy to prepare and bring the flavors of Mexican cuisine to your home. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for serving at a family gathering. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and rich enchilada sauce creates…

Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup

Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup: The Cozy Fall Dish You Need

ByELENE

There’s something magical about the aroma of roasted pumpkin and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup is more than just a fall favorite—it’s a comforting, nutritious, and delicious bowl of warmth that brings together sweet and savory in perfect harmony. Whether you’re curled up on a rainy day or hosting a holiday dinner,…

Lemon Chicken Soup

Lemon Chicken Soup with Fresh Spring Veggies – Quick & Easy Recipe!

ByELENE

If you’re looking for a meal that’s fresh, light, and bursting with flavor, this Lemon Chicken Soup with Fresh Spring Veggies is your perfect go-to. This soup combines zesty lemon, tender chicken, and crisp spring vegetables into a bowl of pure comfort and health — ready in just about 40 minutes! Adding lemon to your…