Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – Cheesy, Flavor-Packed & Comforting
Turn up the heat with this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a cheesy, spicy sauce come together for a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk, spatula, knife, cutting board
- Optional: cheese grater, baking foil, ladle
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade béchamel)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- 1–2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil spaghetti noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare chicken: Shred cooked chicken; season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Make sauce: In the skillet, combine cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, cheese, and cayenne. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce thoroughly.
- Assemble casserole: Pour mixture into a 9x13-inch dish. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest before serving: Let stand 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Cheese options: Mix cheddar and Monterey Jack or pepper jack for balanced flavor.
- Extra crispy topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
- Spice adjustment: Gradually add cayenne or jalapeños; serve extra hot sauce on the side.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese.