Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, gooey cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This easy-to-make casserole delivers classic Southern flavors and makes a perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
Dairy
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Extras
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts or thighs in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil until golden brown and cooked through. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Slowly pour in the heavy cream or milk while stirring continuously. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once smooth, stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti until well coated. If desired, mix in chopped green onions or diced bell peppers for added color and crunch.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded chicken to absorb the sauce better and keep the dish tender.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly undercook spaghetti as it finishes baking in the casserole.
- Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up for easy serving.
- Sharp cheddar cheese gives bold flavor, but blending in mozzarella softens the intensity.
- For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Southern casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, comfort food, baked pasta casserole, chicken casserole