why make this recipe
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a fantastic dish for many reasons. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for the whole family. The combination of tender chicken, pasta, and rich cheese creates a dish that’s hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes great leftovers. Whether you’re feeding a big crowd or just looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole has you covered.
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:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.
how to serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also add extra green onions or a sprinkle of hot sauce on top for an added kick. Enjoy!
how to store Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to make the dish milder or spicier according to your taste.
- If you like more veggies, you can add some diced onions or mushrooms to the mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a twist.
Make-Ahead & Reheating Tips for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT SPICY SOUTHERN CHEESY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE IS HOW WELL IT WORKS AS A MAKE-AHEAD MEAL. YOU CAN PREP THE COMPONENTS OR THE ENTIRE DISH IN ADVANCE, WHICH MAKES IT PERFECT FOR BUSY NIGHTS, MEAL PREP, OR TAKING TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
FOR EASY PREP, YOU CAN COOK THE CHICKEN AND SPAGHETTI, MIX EVERYTHING TOGETHER, AND ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE IN THE DISH, THEN COVER AND REFRIGERATE IT FOR UP TO 24 HOURS BEFORE BAKING. WHEN YOU’RE READY, SIMPLY BAKE IT UNTIL HOT AND BUBBLY, ADDING A FEW EXTRA MINUTES IF IT’S COLD FROM THE FRIDGE. LEFTOVERS REHEAT WELL TOO—JUST COVER THE DISH WITH FOIL AND WARM IT IN THE OVEN AT 350°F (175°C) UNTIL HEATED THROUGH, OR REHEAT INDIVIDUAL PORTIONS IN THE MICROWAVE WITH A SPLASH OF MILK OR BROTH TO KEEP IT CREAMY.
variation
For a different flavor, you can substitute the chicken with cooked ground beef or turkey. You can also replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a change in taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time! Just shred it and mix it in with the other ingredients.
2. Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
3. Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from the cayenne pepper. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the cayenne if you’re sensitive to heat.
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) Use cooked shredded chicken for quicker prep.
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Divided: half for mixing and half for topping.
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust for desired spiciness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced) For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving.