Spicy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti (Printable Recipe)

Creamy, spicy Southern chicken spaghetti baked with cheese and peppers for comforting flavor.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

→ Pasta & Cheese

02 - 8 oz spaghetti
03 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped
05 - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

→ Base & Seasonings

06 - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
07 - 1 tsp paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
02 - In a large pot over medium heat, cook boneless chicken breasts until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juicy. Remove and shred when cool enough to handle.
03 - Boil salted water in a large pot and cook spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well coated.
05 - Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
06 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - To achieve a creamy texture, always mix cheese into the sauce off heat
02 - Avoid overcooking pasta; al dente is ideal for casserole consistency
03 - Spice levels can be adjusted based on personal preference without sacrificing flavor
04 - Can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated before baking