Description
Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish — a creamy, cheesy Southern classic baked to golden perfection. Featuring tender shredded chicken, spaghetti, bell peppers, and a touch of cayenne heat, it’s a warm, satisfying one-dish meal that brings family together without the stress of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients
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3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (≈ 680 g)
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8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
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2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 cup (150 g) chopped fresh bell peppers
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1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
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1 tsp (2.5 g) paprika
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½ tsp (1.25 g) cayenne pepper
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1 tsp (3.1 g) garlic powder
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¼ cup (25 g) sliced green onions
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish.
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Cook the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let cool, then shred.
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Cook the pasta: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
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Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Stir to coat evenly.
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Assemble: Pour the mixture into the greased dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar evenly over the top.
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Bake: Place in the oven for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden around the edges.
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Serve: Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
Substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Use a blend of colored bell peppers for extra flavor and visual appeal.
If the cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cheddar and low-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked Casserole
- Cuisine: Southern American