Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – Cheesy, Comforting & Full of Flavor
Take comfort food up a notch with this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, a creamy cheesy sauce, and just the right amount of heat make this casserole irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, it’s a crowd-pleasing Southern favorite that’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Saucepan for pasta
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon and whisk
- Oven mitts
- Optional: skillet for sautéing vegetables, spatula for serving
Ingredients
Chicken & Pasta
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or home-cooked)
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1–2 jalapeños, diced for extra heat
Cheese & Creaminess
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 cup pepper jack, shredded
- ½ cup Monterey Jack, shredded
- 1 cup cream or whole milk
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Toppings (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Additional shredded cheese
- Fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season raw chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook and shred, or use rotisserie chicken.
- Cook pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat oil or butter in a skillet. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and optional jalapeños. Cook until softened, 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chicken, sautéed vegetables, cream, cheese, cayenne, hot sauce, and seasoning. Mix gently.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer mixture to greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for golden top.
- Rest & serve: Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or scallions.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance; bake just before serving.
- Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cooking time.
- Adjusting heat: Reduce cayenne, hot sauce, or jalapeños for family-friendly versions.
- Low-carb option: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles.
- Cheese tip: Shred your own cheese for better melting and creaminess.
- Prevent watery casserole: Cook pasta al dente and avoid over-saucing; bake uncovered initially to evaporate excess moisture.