If you’re on the hunt for a comforting meal that packs a punch of flavor, this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, spicy sauce bursting with southern charm. With vibrant bell peppers, a savory blend of spices, and melted cheddar cheese on top, this dish offers a delightful balance of heat, creaminess, and heartiness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even though this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe uses simple ingredients, each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding a kick of spice, creating creamy richness, or giving the casserole a colorful texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- Cooked chicken (2 cups shredded): The star protein that keeps this dish hearty and satisfying.
- Spaghetti (12 oz cooked and drained): Provides the classic comforting base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds earthiness and creaminess for a luscious sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Brings extra flavor and richness to the casserole.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz): Infuses the dish with a subtle spicy tang and fresh tomato notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden and gooey crust.
- Chopped bell peppers (1/2 cup): Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Brings aromatic depth and sweetness once sautéed.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Delivers subtle garlicky warmth throughout the casserole.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances the savoriness with an extra oniony kick.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Offers smoky undertones and mild heat.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds the defining spicy heat that gives this dish its signature kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and brightens all the flavors perfectly.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Used to sauté the veggies, giving them a rich, silky finish.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Keeps your casserole dish clean and makes serving easier.
How to Make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once the casserole mixture is assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple first step ensures an easy release and clean-up later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step is key to unlocking their natural sweetness and softening their texture, making every bite of the casserole flavorful and smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed onions and bell peppers, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until all ingredients are evenly combined. This mixture is where the magic happens — the spices and soups create a creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together.
Step 4: Fold in the Spaghetti
Gently fold the cooked and drained spaghetti into the creamy chicken mixture. Be sure to stir carefully so the pasta is fully coated without breaking it up. This ensures each strand is bursting with that spicy southern flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Transfer the spaghetti and chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. This will melt during baking and create a perfectly golden, gooey crust that adds texture and richness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and lightly golden on top. Baking melds all the flavors and textures beautifully, giving you that satisfying southern comfort food experience.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to cut and serving the best texture on your plate.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe to the next level. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh taste that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Consider a crisp green salad for contrast, buttery garlic bread to soak up the sauce, or a side of steamed vegetables for added freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small oven-safe bowls. This not only makes for charming, personalized portions but also keeps everything hot and perfectly cheesy. You can also try topping with a little extra cheese and broiling for a minute to get a crunchy cheese crust finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious and comforting.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Just assemble the dish as usual, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and pop it in the freezer. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for a quick fix, or cover the entire casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. This keeps the pasta from drying out and maintains that creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, feel free to swap in penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if necessary and drain the pasta well before mixing.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe has a gentle but noticeable heat thanks to the cayenne pepper and diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can tone it down or amp it up by adjusting the cayenne amount to suit your taste buds.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with a plant-based protein or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Swap cream of chicken soup for extra cream of mushroom or a vegetarian alternative to keep the creamy consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to put in the oven. This is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade sauces or healthier options, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasoning or use store-bought condensed soups with lower sodium versions.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that simply feels like home. Its blend of spicy, creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors makes it a standout hit any night of the week. I encourage you to try it out for your next family dinner or when you’re craving a soulful meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Once it’s on your table, I’m sure it will quickly become a treasured recipe in your collection.
Print
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A comforting and spicy Southern-style chicken spaghetti casserole that combines tender cooked chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, creamy soups, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cheddar cheese baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner with a flavorful kick of Southern spices.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (red or green)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to use later.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté them until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed onions and bell peppers, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Add Pasta: Gently fold the cooked and drained spaghetti into the mixture, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce and chicken mixture without breaking the noodles.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes to set before serving. This helps the casserole hold together when portioned.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- You can use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut for the cooked chicken.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, drain the diced tomatoes slightly before adding.
- Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder melt.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; just assemble it and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
