Zesty Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Anna Kowalska here! I’m passionate about sharing tried-and-true homemade recipes that you and your family will adore. Everything I create is made with heart and flavor, bringing warmth to your table. Growing up down South, there are some dishes that just feel like a hug in a bowl, and this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is absolutely one of them. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a little kick that just screams comfort and tradition. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no questions asked!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Seriously, this casserole is a winner for so many reasons:

• It’s a snap to get on the table, perfect for busy weeknights!
• It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family – even the pickiest eaters.
• It’s the ultimate in comfort food, warm, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
• The flavor is just incredible, with that perfect savory and spicy balance.
• It’s a total crowd-pleaser, so make extra if you’re bringing it to a potluck!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Alright, let’s get everything ready for this amazing casserole! It’s not a super long list, which is one of the things I love about it. Here’s what you’ll need to round up:

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)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Okay, a few little tips on these ingredients! For the chicken, make sure it’s cooked through before you shred it – nobody wants pink chicken in their casserole! If you can’t find sharp cheddar, a good old mild or medium cheddar will work just fine, though sharp gives it that extra punch. Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for some diced yellow onion or even mushrooms if that’s what you have on hand. And for the heat, the cayenne pepper is totally adjustable, so start with less if you’re worried about it being too spicy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Alright, let’s get this party started! This casserole comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every week. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a piping hot, cheesy masterpiece in no time.

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. You’ll want to cook your chicken breasts in a big pot over medium heat. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through. Then, just shred it up! I like to use two forks for this; it makes it super easy.

Cooking the Spaghetti

While the chicken is cooking or after you’ve shredded it, get a pot of salted water boiling for your spaghetti. Cook it until it’s just al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You don’t want it mushy! Drain it really well and set it aside. We want that pasta to hold its shape.

Assembling the Casserole

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! In a big bowl, combine that shredded chicken, the drained spaghetti, that can of creamy chicken soup, your chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Toss in about half of that yummy cheddar cheese too. Mix it all up really well until everything is coated in that creamy, spicy goodness. Then, pour this glorious mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly!

Baking and Finishing Touches

Sprinkle the rest of that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Pop it into your preheated oven – remember, we set it to 350°F (175°C) earlier! Let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly around the edges and that cheese on top to be perfectly melted and golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, let it hang out for about 5 minutes to rest. This helps everything set up nicely. Finally, sprinkle on those fresh, sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Dig in and enjoy!

Tips for a Perfect Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Making this casserole truly special is all about a few little tricks! I’ve found that paying attention to a couple of details really makes a difference in the final dish. It’s not complicated at all, just a few pointers to ensure you get that perfect, comforting bite every single time.

Spice Level Control

If you’re sensitive to heat, definitely start with just 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Achieving a Golden-Brown Topping

For that gorgeous, golden cheesy crust, make sure your oven is fully preheated. If your cheese isn’t browning after about 25 minutes, you can pop it under the broiler for just a minute or two – watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! For more tips on achieving the perfect bake, check out this guide on baking casseroles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Got questions about whipping up this cheesy chicken spaghetti? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common things folks ask.

Can I make this ahead of time? Oh yes, you absolutely can! Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

What can I serve with this casserole? This cheesy chicken spaghetti is pretty much a meal in itself, but it’s delightful with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans. A slice of crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce is always a good idea too! For salad inspiration, try this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad.

How do I store leftovers? Just cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. It’s so good, you might not have many leftovers, though!

Serving and Storing Your Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole is a star on its own, but a few simple sides can make it even better. And don’t worry if you have leftovers – this dish reheats like a dream and is just as delicious the next day!

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, I love serving this cheesy chicken spaghetti with a crisp garden salad or some buttered dinner rolls. Steamed broccoli or green beans also pair beautifully! You might also enjoy our Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the easiest way is to cover the dish with foil and pop it into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just be sure to stir it a bit halfway through for even heating!

Nutritional Information for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Just a friendly reminder that all of this nutritional info is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and how you whip it all up. But this gives you a good idea of what you’re working with!

Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)	Calories: 380
Fat: 18g	Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g	Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 850mg	Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g	Sugar: 2g
Protein: 24g

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