Some recipes taste like a hug from home, and this Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake is one of them. Imagine tender chicken, creamy spaghetti, melty cheddar cheese, and a hint of Southern spice baked into a bubbling casserole. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole house smell inviting and gets everyone rushing to the dinner table.
This casserole isn’t just comforting—it’s practical too. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but hearty and special enough to serve for family gatherings, potlucks, or church suppers. One bite, and you’ll understand why this classic Southern favorite has stood the test of time.
Why You’ll Love It
- Hearty and filling, perfect for feeding a crowd
- Creamy and cheesy with a spicy Southern kick
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Bake once and enjoy leftovers that reheat beautifully
- Comfort food that feels like home cooking
- Customizable with veggies, different cheeses, or even shrimp
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh bell peppers
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the oven and dish
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with nonstick spray. - Cook the chicken
In a large pot over medium heat, cook chicken breasts until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes per side). Shred or cube once cooled slightly. - Cook the pasta
In a separate pot, boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside. - Mix the casserole base
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, spices, and half of the cheese. Mix until coated in creamy sauce. - Assemble and bake
Spread mixture into prepared dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Finish and serve
Let casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Variations to Try
- Seafood Twist – swap chicken for shrimp or crawfish.
- Veggie Boost – add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Tex-Mex Style – add diced tomatoes with green chilies and top with pepper jack cheese.
- Extra Creamy – stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Cook pasta al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.
- Use sharp cheddar for the boldest flavor, but a cheddar–Monterey Jack blend also works well.
- Don’t skip letting it rest before serving—it sets the casserole for cleaner slices.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Calories: 380
- Carbs: 36g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but a mix of cheddar and mozzarella makes it extra gooey.
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Absolutely. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion / Final Thoughts
This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake is more than just a casserole—it’s a dish that brings people together. It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Save this recipe and share it with your loved ones—it’s one that never fails to bring smiles to the table.
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Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Chicken Spaghetti Bake is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, cheddar cheese, and a touch of spice come together in this classic comfort food casserole.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
- Cook chicken until golden, shred or cube.
- Boil spaghetti until al dente. Drain.
- Mix chicken, spaghetti, soup, peppers, spices, and half the cheese.
- Spread mixture into dish, top with remaining cheese. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente for best texture. Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor. Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: southern chicken spaghetti, chicken spaghetti bake, cheesy chicken casserole, comfort food dinner, southern pasta bake