๐ 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! Itโs the ultimate comfort foodโtender 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. Itโs creamy, cheesy, and full of flavorโperfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep nights. Every bite brings that classic home-cooked warmth with a little Southern sass.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon
- Knife & cutting board
- Oven
๐ Ingredients
For 6โ8 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 ยฝ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ยฝ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ยฝ tsp smoked paprika
- ยฝ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)
- ยฝ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
๐ฉโ๐ณ 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.
- Sautรฉ the Veggies
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3โ5 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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 25โ30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6โ8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
๐ง 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 1โ2 minutes, or bake at 350ยฐF until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
๐ฅ Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeรฑos 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 ยผ cup barbecue sauce for smoky-sweet flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap spaghetti for spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
โ 10 FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yesโit’s a time-saver and adds great flavor! - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitelyโassemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze it before baking?
Yesโwrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen for 45โ50 minutes. - Is it very spicy?
Itโs mildly spicy. Adjust cayenne or Rotel based on your heat preference. - Can I use another pasta?
Sureโpenne, linguine, or egg noodles all work. - Can I substitute sour cream?
Yesโuse Greek yogurt for a lighter version. - Can I add veggies?
Absolutelyโtry 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?
Yesโjust use two casserole dishes and bake both at once.
๐ Conclusion
This Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of comfort food done rightโcreamy, cheesy, spicy, and soul-satisfying. Whether itโs 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, youโll want it on repeat all year long!

๐๐ฅ๐๐ง Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole โ 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 3โ5 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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 25โ30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Yesโit’s a time-saver and adds great flavor! Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitelyโassemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Can I freeze it before baking?
Yesโwrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen for 45โ50 minutes. Is it very spicy?
Itโs mildly spicy. Adjust cayenne or Rotel based on your heat preference. Can I use another pasta?
Sureโpenne, linguine, or egg noodles all work. Can I substitute sour cream?
Yesโuse Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Can I add veggies?
Absolutelyโtry 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?
Yesโjust use two casserole dishes and bake both at once. ๐ Conclusion This Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of comfort food done rightโcreamy, cheesy, spicy, and soul-satisfying. Whether itโs 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, youโll want it on repeat all year long!