Description
The Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and luscious plant-based cheese infused with bold Southern spices. This one-pan meal features spaghetti coated in a velvety, slightly spicy sauce enhanced by natural seasonings, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 cups diced chicken breast
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the diced chicken breast in a pan over medium heat until no longer pink, then set aside. In the same pan, cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp to develop a smoky flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant and translucent, forming a savory base.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, combine vegetable broth, shredded plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and natural gelling agent. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil spaghetti until just al dente, then drain. Immediately toss the pasta with the prepared sauce to prevent sticking and ensure creaminess.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, combine the sauced spaghetti, cooked chicken, and crispy turkey bacon. Top with additional shredded plant-based cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese melts and the dish is hot and bubbling around the edges, about 20-25 minutes.
Notes
- Pre-shred plant-based cheese to help it melt faster and blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Keep pasta slightly undercooked to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Use smoked turkey bacon to achieve authentic smoky depth without overpowering other flavors.
- Adjust spice levels gradually by tasting as you go, especially with cayenne and smoked paprika.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti, Southern casserole, spicy chicken bake, plant-based cheese recipe
