Description
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, zesty Southern spices, and creamy plant-based cheese blended perfectly with al dente spaghetti. This casserole offers a rich, indulgent texture with a spicy kick that caters to family-friendly meals and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 cups shredded chicken breasts
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 8 oz spaghetti (cooked al dente)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 cup plant-based cheese blend
- 1 ½ cups plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Pasta: Boil the spaghetti until just al dente, drain, and set aside. In a skillet, cook the chicken breasts until done and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In the same skillet, crisp the smoked turkey bacon until golden and slightly crunchy. Remove bacon, chop into pieces. Sauté diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the bacon fat until soft and aromatic.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour plant-based milk into the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and natural gelling agent. Cook until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine Everything: Return shredded chicken and chopped bacon to the sauce. Add cooked spaghetti and plant-based cheese blend, tossing gently to combine and allowing the cheese to melt into the warm mixture.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Optionally top with extra plant-based cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Precook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Use smoked turkey bacon for rich smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Apply natural gelling agent precisely for ideal creamy texture.
- If sauce thickens too much, a splash of reserved pasta water can loosen consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti, Southern casserole, spicy chicken pasta, plant-based cheese casserole, turkey bacon spaghetti
