A creamy, cheesy, and spicy twist on classic chicken spaghetti — pure Southern comfort baked to perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A true Southern-inspired comfort food.

• Creamy and cheesy with just the right amount of spice.

• Great for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks.

• Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

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

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ¼ cup green onions, sliced

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish. Cook chicken in a skillet for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Shred the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a creamier, spicier flavor.

• Add a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies for extra kick.

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this chicken spaghetti casserole?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to medium heat level from the cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice by adding more or less cayenne to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole brings all the cozy, comforting flavors of the South to your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced, it’s bound to become a family favorite for both weeknights and special gatherings!