SPICY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

Tired of boring weeknight dinners? Craving something that’s both comforting and exciting? Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy, cheesy casserole packed with tender chicken and a surprising kick of Southern spice. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds with this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than you think. Let’s get cooking!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece of Southern comfort:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great too!)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: For seasoning the chicken and veggies.
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Paprika: Sweet and smoky notes.
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper: For that perfect kick! (Adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 lb Spaghetti: Cooked al dente according to package directions.

For the Creamy, Spicy Sauce:

• 1 tbsp Butter: Because everything is better with butter.
• 1 Green Bell Pepper: Diced.
• 1/2 Yellow Onion: Diced.
• 2 Cloves Garlic: Minced.
• 4 oz Can Diced Green Chiles: Undrained, for heat and flavor.
• 10.75 oz Can Cream of Mushroom Soup: Undiluted.
• 10.75 oz Can Cream of Chicken Soup: Undiluted.
• 8 oz Cream Cheese: Softened.
• 1 (10 oz) Can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Drained
• 1 cup Sour Cream: For extra creaminess and tang.
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Divided (reserve 1/2 cup for topping).
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness.
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for an extra boost of spice.

Step-by-Step to Southern Casserole Perfection

Let’s get down to the fun part! This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole comes together in a few easy steps:

Preparing the Chicken:

1. If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, cook your chicken breasts. You can bake, boil, or grill them – whatever works best for you! Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and well seasoned. Set aside.

Building the Creamy, Spicy Sauce:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and yellow onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced green chiles (undrained), cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and softened cream cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (drained), sour cream, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, the seasoned chicken, and the creamy, spicy sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
2. Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Baking to Golden Perfection:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and prevents burning your tongue!

Spice It Your Way: Customizing Your Casserole

One of the best things about this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. If you want even more heat, add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a sprinkle of your favorite Mexican blend would be delicious.
• Veggies: Add other veggies like mushrooms, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Protein: Ground beef or turkey would also work well in this casserole if you’re not a fan of chicken.
• Noodles: Not a spaghetti fan? Penne, rotini, or even egg noodles would be great substitutes. You can even try it with orzo, like in this CREAMY CHICKEN POT PIE ORZO recipe.

Making it Ahead & Storage Tips

Want to get ahead on dinner prep? No problem! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time.

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Want to take your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy in the casserole. Cook it al dente, meaning it’s still slightly firm to the bite.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese will give you a much better result.
• Let it Rest: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: Short on time? Grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. It’s a great shortcut that saves you time and effort. Plus, it’s already seasoned and delicious!
• If you like a creamy sauce, you’ll love this CREAMY CHICKEN TORTELLINI recipe.

Beyond the Casserole: Complete the Meal

This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but here are a few side dish ideas to round out your dinner:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing!
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all great options.
• Corn on the Cob: Another Southern staple that complements the flavors of the casserole perfectly.

Craving More Southern Comfort?

If you’re a fan of Southern comfort food, you might also enjoy these delicious recipes: If you love a spicy kick, you should try this SPICY SOUTHERN CHICKEN recipe. Or, if you’re in the mood for a warm and comforting soup, check out this CAJUN CHICKEN SOUP recipe. Another great recipe to consider is CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti for an easy weeknight meal!

Ready to Dig In?

So, there you have it! A foolproof recipe for Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of Southern spice, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out. Happy cooking!

Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy delight with tender chicken and a kick of Southern spice. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, offering a delicious blend of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Southern

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large bowl
• Large skillet or pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Colander
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz can diced green chiles, undrained
• 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• If not using rotisserie chicken, cook chicken breasts. You can bake, boil, or grill them. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and well seasoned. Set aside.
• In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and yellow onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced green chiles (undrained), cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and softened cream cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Stir in the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (drained), sour cream, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, the seasoned chicken, and the creamy, spicy sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
• Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together while cooking, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water. Make sure to grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent the casserole from sticking.