A comforting and crowd-pleasing cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole with a spicy kick, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Southern
Diet:Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb)
8 oz spaghetti
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped (use a mix of colors for appeal)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
Pat chicken dry. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken about 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then shred with two forks.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, drained spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar evenly over the top.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Notes
For milder heat, reduce cayenne. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.