Enjoying a good, hearty meal is one of life’s greatest pleasures, especially when the dish is both comforting and easy to prepare. One such dish is a cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your dining table. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy soup, fresh peppers, and gooey cheese, all layered over spaghetti. It’s the perfect option for a family dinner or a potluck. Let’s explore more about this delicious recipe that your loved ones will adore.
Why Make This Recipe
This spicy Southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole is a fantastic choice for many reasons. Firstly, it’s a one-dish meal packed with protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a well-rounded meal for everyone. The combination of cheese and spices offers a creamy, delicious flavor that’s hard to resist.
Additionally, it’s an easy recipe to follow, even for those who may not feel very confident in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple and can be found at most grocery stores. Cooking time is also accommodating, allowing you to prepare it on a busy weeknight without too much fuss.
Lastly, this recipe has room for creativity. You can adjust the spice levels, using more or less cayenne, depending on your family’s taste. This flexibility means you can cater to both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors. Making this dish can lead to a wonderful dining experience, filled with taste and comfort.
How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Preparing this dish is simple and straightforward. Follow the steps below to create a delightful meal that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
To get started, gather the following 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
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
These ingredients combine to create the flavors and texture that make this casserole so appealing.
Directions
Preheat your oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This preheating step ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
Grease a casserole dish: Choose a large casserole dish and grease it with cooking spray or a little bit of oil. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish.
Cook the chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. You can check the doneness by making sure the center is no longer pink.
Boil the spaghetti: In the meantime, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the spaghetti and cook until al dente, which should take around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Add in the cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well until it is combined.
Transfer to the casserole dish: Pour the chicken and spaghetti mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and serve: After baking, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the casserole to set up a bit. Just before serving, garnish with sliced green onions for added color and flavor.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
When it’s time to serve, the casserole can be plated simply. Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy with a side salad or some garlic bread. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. You could also add a side of steamed vegetables or a light vinaigrette dressing, adding more health benefits.
Another idea is to serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, allowing guests to help themselves. This is a relaxed and friendly way to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
How to Store Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Leftovers are a bonus with this recipe! After serving, if you have any casserole left, allow it to cool completely before storing.
Refrigeration: Place the remains in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Cut it into portions and wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, it can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or place them in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Tips to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
To make the most of this casserole, here are some useful tips:
Chicken Cooking Tip: If you want to speed up preparation time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead. Just shred the pre-cooked chicken and mix it directly into the casserole mixture.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. If you like it hotter, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder version, you can skip the cayenne or use a sweet paprika instead.
Cheese Variety: While sharp cheddar cheese provides great flavor, feel free to use a mix of other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for an extra cheesy experience.
Veggie Additions: You can enhance the dish’s nutrition by adding other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or broccoli. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well with the other ingredients.
Variation
For a different twist, consider turning this casserole into a taco-inspired version. Replace shredded chicken with seasoned ground beef or turkey, swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup, and mix in black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Top the casserole with pepper jack cheese and garnish with cilantro and avocado for a fun, south-of-the-border flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti can be used as a healthier alternative. It adds a bit more fiber to your meal while still tasting great.
2. Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth and add extra veggies like mushrooms and spinach in place of chicken.
3. How long can I keep the leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 2-3 months.
Enjoy making this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, and watch as it becomes a favorite in your home!
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Shred the cooked chicken in a large bowl using two forks.
- Add cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions.