Description
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese, zesty bell peppers, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
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 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts until golden brown, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and shred the chicken.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, chopped bell peppers, Rotel tomatoes, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and panko bread crumbs. Dot with butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Freezes well for up to 2–3 months.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
