Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a homey, flavor-packed dish that brings a little kick to your dinner table, this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, spicy sauce loaded with smoky paprika and cayenne pepper, this casserole has the kind of bold Southern charm that warms your soul and delights your taste buds. It’s a fantastic way to elevate everyday ingredients into a comforting crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole so irresistible. From the tender chicken to the punchy spices and melty cheeses, these simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special.

• 12 ounces of spaghetti: The hearty base that soaks up every bit of the creamy, spicy sauce perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Integral for sautéing veggies gently without overpowering their natural sweetness.
• 1 cup diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked until soft.
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper: Brings crispness and a fresh, mild bite for balance.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that unmistakable punch of aromatic flavor we all love.
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: The hearty protein that makes this casserole filling and satisfying.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides a smoky warmth essential for that Southern flair.
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat to wake up your palate.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Elevates the smoky notes for a deeper, richer taste.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: Creates the irresistibly creamy and comforting base for the casserole.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Brings vibrant color, juicy texture, and a mild kick.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly while adding savory flavor.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, giving gooey richness throughout and on top.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness that perfectly balances the creaminess.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of fresh green color and a mild herbal note to finish.

How to Make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prep sets the foundation so your casserole won’t stick and bakes to a beautiful golden top.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Cooking the pasta just right is key because it will absorb the flavorful sauce without turning mushy.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm your olive oil. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook them until tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step softens the veggies and releases their natural sweetness, balancing the spicy heat later on.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Throw in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, constantly stirring. Garlic’s aroma will fill your kitchen, building rich flavor layers for the casserole.

Step 5: Spice and Chicken

Mix in the shredded chicken with paprika, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook everything together for 2 minutes so the spices marinade the chicken and infuse the mixture with that signature Southern heat and smokiness.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

Add the cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (drained), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously to combine the flavors into a thick, creamy sauce that will coat every strand of spaghetti deliciously.

Step 7: Melt in the Cheese

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar and all the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated so every bite bursts with that spicy, cheesy goodness.

Step 9: Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer the spaghetti mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly for the perfect bake later.

Step 10: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust once baked.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, signaling it’s ready to dazzle your dinner guests.

Step 12: Rest and Garnish

Remove the dish and let it rest for a few minutes to let the flavors settle and the casserole firm up slightly. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely fresh burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the hearty casserole visually and adds light herbal notes that complement the spicy, creamy flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans, which add freshness and crunch to balance the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheddar and a few jalapeño slices for a fiery flair. You can also pair it with a chilled glass of sweet iced tea or a light beer to cool down the heat and complete the Southern dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking. Simply assemble it, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to keep it creamy and evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta besides spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully for this dish, feel free to swap in other sturdy pastas like penne or rotini. Just adjust cooking times as needed to maintain that perfect al dente texture.

How spicy is this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe?

The heat level is lively but not overwhelming, thanks to the cayenne pepper and Rotel tomatoes with chilies. You can always tweak the cayenne amount to suit your heat preference.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even a plant-based chicken alternative. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

Is it possible to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned Rotel?

Fresh tomatoes can work but since Rotel adds a mildly spicy kick, try adding fresh diced tomatoes with a handful of chopped fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes to retain that signature Southern spice.

What kind of cheese works best in this casserole?

Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are ideal because cheddar melts smoothly while Parmesan adds a tangy complement. You can experiment with Monterey Jack or Mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a beloved crowd favorite that pairs comforting creaminess with a lively touch of spice. It’s easy to make, totally satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I encourage you to give it a go—trust me, once it’s on your table, it’s guaranteed to become a treasured staple in your recipe collection.

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