Description

The Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This casserole offers a delicious fusion of spicy heat, smoky depth, and cheesy creaminess, ideal for sharing with family and friends or enjoying a cozy meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
8 oz spaghetti
4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Cheese and Dairy

1 ½ cups shredded plant-based cheese
1 cup plant-based milk

Vegetables and Heat

2 jalapeño peppers, diced
2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
2 tsp onion powder (natural)
1 tsp smoked paprika (natural)
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (natural)

Flavor Enhancers and Others

2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
½ tsp natural gelling agent
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the pasta and chicken: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and lightly season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté the chicken in a hot pan until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
Cook the smoked turkey bacon and jalapeños: In the same pan, add chopped smoked turkey bacon pieces and sauté until crisp. Add the diced jalapeños and cook until tender to infuse the spicy smokiness throughout the dish.
Make the cheesy sauce: In a saucepan, combine plant-based milk, shredded plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and the natural gelling agent. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Mix everything together: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, sautéed chicken, turkey bacon, jalapeños, and cheesy sauce. Toss well to ensure an even, luscious coating of the spicy cheesy blend.
Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional shredded plant-based cheese on top for extra melty texture. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Notes

Use fresh jalapeños to achieve bright and crisp heat.
Cook pasta al dente to ensure it holds texture after baking.
Measure natural gelling agent carefully to avoid overly firm or runny sauce.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set and improve slicing.
Consider mixing sharp and mild plant-based cheeses for depth of flavor in the topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: spicy chicken casserole, cheesy spaghetti casserole, Southern comfort food, plant-based cheese recipe, turkey bacon casserole