Creamy Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole You’ll Crave All Week
If you’ve never had Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, prepare to meet your new weeknight favorite. This dish is a cozy, creamy, cheesy Southern classic with just the right kick of spice to make dinner exciting again. Perfect for potlucks, Sunday suppers, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist. The best part? It’s simple, satisfying, and made with pantry staples you probably already have.
Whether you grew up with chicken spaghetti or you’re trying it for the first time, this Southern version adds a little heat and a whole lot of flavor. Let’s dive right into the recipe and I’ll share some of my favorite tips, variations, and answers to common questions along the way.
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
| Serving: 8 servings | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the soups, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with chilies, bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti noodles. Mix everything thoroughly so the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time. It’s flavorful, moist, and easy to shred.
- Don’t overcook your noodles. Al dente is key, since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain your diced tomatoes well to avoid a watery casserole. You want creamy, not soupy.
- Add the spice gradually. Start with 1/4 tsp of cayenne and taste. You can always add more if you like it hotter.
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and often has additives that can affect the texture.
Recipe Variations You’ll Love
- Make it Tex-Mex: Swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend and add 1 tsp of taco seasoning.
- Add veggies: Stir in cooked mushrooms, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, leftover pork, or even shrimp instead of chicken.
- Make it low-carb: Replace the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or cooked spaghetti squash.
- Cheesy overload: Mix in a dollop of cream cheese for an even richer casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Is it too spicy for kids?
It depends on your cayenne and Rotel level. For a milder version, use mild diced tomatoes without green chilies and skip the cayenne. You can always add hot sauce later for those who like the heat.
Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole in the morning and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s going in cold.
Related Post: Creamy Rosemary Mushroom Risotto
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole keeps making its way into my dinner rotation. It’s hearty, flavorful, easy to make, and just the kind of Southern comfort food that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or bringing something crowd-pleasing to a gathering, this recipe delivers.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Did you kick up the heat? Add more veggies? Tell me your twist in the comments or share it on Pinterest so others can discover this spicy Southern gem. Happy cooking!