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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

A comforting Southern-inspired casserole with shredded chicken, creamy soup, peppers, and sharp cheddar, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • 8 oz spaghetti Any long pasta like linguine or thin fettuccine works.
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Divided
  • 1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped Mix colors for visual appeal.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup For a lighter version use reduced-fat soup or a homemade cream sauce.
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced For garnish.
  • Salt For the pasta water and to taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Heat a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil, then add the chicken breasts. Cook 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and shred with two forks. Let rest a couple of minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar. Stir until evenly mixed. Taste and add salt if needed.
  5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese turns golden brown.
  2. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

If you want a gluten-free casserole, swap the spaghetti for a GF pasta and use a gluten-free cream soup. For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium soup and reduce added salt when boiling pasta.

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