Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (Ready in 30 Minutes)

This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole brings all the bold flavors of Southern comfort food into a single, creamy, cheesy, and slightly fiery dish. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, seasoned sauce come together in a family-friendly casserole that’s as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for weekend potlucks.

Made with pantry staples like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, and a kick of cayenne or jalapeños, this dish captures everything you love about Southern cooking—comfort, heartiness, and just enough heat to keep things interesting.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Spicy, creamy, cheesy—the Southern trifecta

• Comforting and filling with lean protein and whole grains

• A one-dish meal that’s great for crowds or leftovers

• Quick and easy to assemble—ready in 30 minutes

• Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or freezer meals

• Easily customizable based on what you have on hand

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Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need

Chicken

• Use shredded cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken, poached, or leftover grilled

• About 2 cups, seasoned with salt, pepper, or Cajun spices

Spaghetti

• 8 oz spaghetti (or any long pasta), cooked al dente

• You can also use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta

• Break the spaghetti into halves or thirds for easier casserole serving

Veggies

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

• Optional: sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat

Sauce Base

• 1 can cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• ½ cup chicken broth (to loosen the mixture)

• ½ tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or more for heat

Cheese

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping

• You can mix with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby for variety

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How to Make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – Step-by-Step

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions, drain, and set aside

2. Sauté Vegetables

• In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper

• Cook until softened (about 5 minutes)

3. Build the Sauce

In the same pan or large bowl, mix together:

• Sautéed veggies

• 1 can cream of chicken soup

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies

• Garlic powder, paprika, cayenne

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Stir in 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

4. Combine with Pasta & Cheese

• Add cooked spaghetti and 1 cup shredded cheddar

• Toss everything until evenly coated

5. Transfer & Bake

• Pour mixture into a greased 9×13” casserole dish

• Top with remaining cheese

• Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top

• Optional: Broil the last 2 minutes for a crispy cheesy crust

6. Garnish & Serve

• Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or crushed red pepper

• Serve hot with a side salad or cornbread

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for the Best Texture

• Cook pasta al dente—it continues cooking in the oven

• Add broth gradually to avoid a watery casserole

• Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken

Flavor Variations

• Extra spicy: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use Pepper Jack cheese

• Milder version: Omit cayenne and use plain diced tomatoes

• Tex-Mex twist: Add cumin, black beans, and corn

• Creamier: Add 2 oz cream cheese to the sauce for a velvety finish

Ingredient Swaps

• Sour cream → Use plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese

• Cheddar → Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend

• Rotel tomatoes → Use plain diced tomatoes + a small can of green chilies

• Gluten-free → Use GF spaghetti and GF cream soup

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This spicy Southern-style chicken casserole is perfect as a complete meal, but can also be rounded out with sides.

Pair With:

• Buttermilk cornbread or garlic toast

• Southern-style greens or roasted green beans

• Fresh garden salad with ranch or vinaigrette

• A cold iced tea or lemonade

Perfect For:

• Weeknight family dinners

• Church potlucks or holiday buffets

• Freezer meal prep (make ahead and freeze unbaked)

• Leftovers—it reheats beautifully for lunches

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Nutrition & Health Notes

This recipe balances protein-rich chicken with pasta and bold flavors. To make it a bit healthier:

Healthier Swaps:

• Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for more fiber

• Use reduced-fat sour cream and low-sodium cream soup

• Add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or corn

• Cut back on cheese or swap for a lighter option

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: ~600mg

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FAQs About Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked casserole, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

3. What kind of chicken should I use?

Rotisserie chicken works great, as does leftover grilled or roasted chicken. You can also quickly poach or pan-cook chicken breasts or thighs.

4. How do I make it vegetarian?

Replace chicken with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked lentils. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.

5. Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well—just cook them al dente before mixing into the sauce.

6. What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is classic for Southern casseroles, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for extra spice.

7. How spicy is it?

It has a mild-to-medium heat depending on how much cayenne or jalapeño you add. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

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