Description
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combines tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese sauce, and a perfect southern spicy kick all mixed with spaghetti. This comforting and all-in-one casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, delivering bold, savory flavors and a rich, creamy texture that is sure to delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz spaghetti (use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option)
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Cheese Sauce
- 1.5 cups plant-based milk
- 1.5 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside. In the same skillet with the drippings, add the diced chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the skillet with the remaining bacon and chicken drippings, add diced onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Make the Spicy Cheese Sauce: In a medium pot over medium heat, whisk together plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), crushed red pepper flakes, and natural gelling agent. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the spicy cheese sauce, cooked chicken, crispy turkey bacon pieces, and sautéed vegetables until well combined. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Bake to Finish: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes or until bubbly and slightly golden on top. Remove from oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta slightly under al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Use fresh crushed red pepper flakes for optimal spicy flavor.
- Do not skip the apple cider vinegar (natural) as it brightens and balances the cheese sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to improve flavor melding and easier serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Spicy chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, Southern comfort food, gluten-free casserole
