🍗🔥🍝🧀 Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – Comfort Food with a Kick!

🍗🔥🍝🧀 Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – Comfort Food with a Kick!

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! It’s the ultimate comfort food—tender 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. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep nights. Every bite brings that classic home-cooked warmth with a little Southern sass.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For 6–8 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 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet or saucepan
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing spoon
Knife & cutting board
Oven

Method

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.

Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3–5 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 9x13 baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Bake & Serve

Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

🧊 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 1–2 minutes, or bake at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

🥄 Variations

Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños 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 ¼ cup barbecue sauce for smoky-sweet flavor.

Low-Carb Option: Swap spaghetti for spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—it's a time-saver and adds great flavor!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely—assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes—wrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen for 45–50 minutes.

Is it very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust cayenne or Rotel based on your heat preference.

Can I use another pasta?
Sure—penne, linguine, or egg noodles all work.

Can I substitute sour cream?
Yes—use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Can I add veggies?
Absolutely—try 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?
Yes—just use two casserole dishes and bake both at once.

🏁 Conclusion

This Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of comfort food done right—creamy, cheesy, spicy, and soul-satisfying. Whether it’s 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, you’ll want it on repeat all year long!