Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a creamy, zesty sauce that packs a flavorful punch. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. Topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, this casserole will become a favorite in your household!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken breasts until golden brown (about 6 minutes per side). Let cool slightly before shredding.
- 3. Boil salted water in a large pot, add spaghetti and cook until al dente as per package instructions.
- 4. In another pan, sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Mix in cream cheese until melted; add diced tomatoes and chicken broth along with spices.
- 5. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, and sauce mixture. Toss well.
- 6. Transfer to the baking dish, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 227g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce mix. Substitute chicken with turkey or use different cheese blends for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.