π Introduction
If you love a good Southern-style casserole but crave a little heat, this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is your next dinner obsession! Itβs the ultimate comfort foodβtender shredded chicken, creamy cheese sauce, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all baked until bubbly and golden.
This recipe combines the best of Southern comfort cooking with a bold, zesty kick. Itβs creamy, cheesy, and full of flavorβperfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep nights. Every bite brings that classic home-cooked warmth with a little Southern sass.
π§° Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon
- Knife & cutting board
- Oven
π Ingredients
For 6β8 Servings:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 Β½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Β½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Β½ tsp smoked paprika
- Β½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)
- Β½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
π©βπ³ Directions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- SautΓ© the Veggies
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3β5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Rotel tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir until creamy and combined.
- Add the Seasonings
- Mix in paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Combine Chicken & Pasta
- Stir in shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti until evenly coated in sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake & Serve
- Bake uncovered at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for 25β30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
π½οΈ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6β8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
π§ Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a covered dish or airtight bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1β2 minutes, or bake at 350Β°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
π₯ Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeΓ±os or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Milder Version: Use plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, corn, or crushed tortilla chips on top.
- BBQ Chicken Spaghetti: Mix in ΒΌ cup barbecue sauce for smoky-sweet flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap spaghetti for spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
β 10 FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yesβit’s a time-saver and adds great flavor! - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitelyβassemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze it before baking?
Yesβwrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen for 45β50 minutes. - Is it very spicy?
Itβs mildly spicy. Adjust cayenne or Rotel based on your heat preference. - Can I use another pasta?
Sureβpenne, linguine, or egg noodles all work. - Can I substitute sour cream?
Yesβuse Greek yogurt for a lighter version. - Can I add veggies?
Absolutelyβtry mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes. - Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and use more veggies or chickpeas. - What cheese melts best?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives that creamy, gooey finish. - Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yesβjust use two casserole dishes and bake both at once.
π Conclusion
This Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of comfort food done rightβcreamy, cheesy, spicy, and soul-satisfying. Whether itβs a cozy family dinner or a potluck favorite, this dish brings all the Southern charm with just the right amount of heat. Once you try it, youβll want it on repeat all year long!

ππ₯ππ§ Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole β Comfort Food with a Kick!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3β5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Rotel tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir until creamy and combined.
- Mix in paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Stir in shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti until evenly coated in sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for 25β30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Yesβit’s a time-saver and adds great flavor! Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitelyβassemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Can I freeze it before baking?
Yesβwrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen for 45β50 minutes. Is it very spicy?
Itβs mildly spicy. Adjust cayenne or Rotel based on your heat preference. Can I use another pasta?
Sureβpenne, linguine, or egg noodles all work. Can I substitute sour cream?
Yesβuse Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Can I add veggies?
Absolutelyβtry mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes. Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and use more veggies or chickpeas. What cheese melts best?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives that creamy, gooey finish. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yesβjust use two casserole dishes and bake both at once. π Conclusion This Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of comfort food done rightβcreamy, cheesy, spicy, and soul-satisfying. Whether itβs a cozy family dinner or a potluck favorite, this dish brings all the Southern charm with just the right amount of heat. Once you try it, youβll want it on repeat all year long!