Spicy Southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist. I make spicy Southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole when I want a dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit fiery. With this casserole, tender spaghetti combines with shredded chicken, spicy seasonings, and a rich cheese sauce, then gets baked until bubbly and golden.
When I explored trending Southern casseroles, I found they all share three things: hearty ingredients, plenty of cheese, and layers of flavor. This recipe takes that base and adds Cajun spice or hot sauce to give it a little Southern heat. The spaghetti base makes it unique compared to rice or potato casseroles, and the cheesy sauce ensures every bite is indulgent. Spicy Southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole is practical too you can make it ahead, bake it later, or freeze portions for meal prep. It’s perfect for weeknights, Sunday dinners, or potluck gatherings where comfort food always wins.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to Make: Ingredients list, Step-by-step directions
Ingredients (keyword-related)
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel style)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp hot sauce or Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Directions (clearly relevant)
- Cook spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Make sauce: Stir in soups, broth, tomatoes, sour cream, and hot sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine: In large bowl, mix spaghetti, chicken, vegetables, and half of cheeses. Pour sauce over and toss.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
What is Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
Spicy Southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole is a baked pasta dish that combines Southern flavors with classic comfort food. Instead of a traditional spaghetti dinner, this recipe turns the noodles into a creamy, cheesy casserole baked in the oven. Shredded chicken adds protein, cream soups create a smooth sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies add both spice and tang.
Unlike Italian pasta bakes, which rely on marinara, this casserole uses cream-based soups and cheese for a distinctly Southern touch. The addition of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning sets it apart, bringing a kick that elevates it from mild to bold. It’s hearty, filling, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll love spicy Southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole because it’s cheesy, flavorful, and versatile. First, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids and adults both enjoy it. Second, it’s adaptable: use more or less spice, swap cheeses, or use turkey instead of chicken. Third, it’s practical—make it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when needed. Fourth, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can prep meals for busy weeks. Finally, it’s comforting—every bite delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with just enough spice to keep it interesting.
This dish also works for many occasions. Serve it as a weeknight dinner, bring it to a church potluck, or bake it for family gatherings. It’s reliable, filling, and guaranteed to become a regular rotation meal.
What to Serve With Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
This casserole pairs well with lighter sides to balance richness. Serve with a green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed asparagus. For extra Southern flair, add cornbread or biscuits.
Fresh Pairings (keyword-related)
A garden salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess.
Hearty Complements (clearly relevant)
Cornbread muffins or garlic knots make great accompaniments.
Nutriments Benefits and Storage Tips
Nutrition highlights:
- Protein: Chicken provides lean protein.
- Carbs: Spaghetti offers energy and bulk.
- Calcium: Cheese adds calcium and flavor.
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, and onions add vitamins.
Storage tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers up to 4 days.
- Reheat in oven at 325°F covered with foil for 15–20 minutes.
- Freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
- Bake portions in smaller dishes for freezer-friendly meal prep.
FAQ
Can I use different pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini work just as well.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, use mild diced tomatoes and less hot sauce.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully, but pepper jack adds more kick.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it saves time and works perfectly.
Conclusion
Spicy Southern cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. It’s easy, comforting, and adaptable for weeknights or gatherings. With chicken, cheese, spaghetti, and spice, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving.
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Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (Family Favorite)
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole—tender chicken, spaghetti, and cheese baked in a creamy, spicy sauce. Comforting and crowd-pleasing.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti, cooked
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1½ cups chicken broth
1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp hot sauce or Cajun seasoning
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp parsley
Instructions
1. Cook spaghetti until al dente; drain.
2. Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic in olive oil until softened.
3. Stir in soups, broth, tomatoes, sour cream, and hot sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.
4. Combine spaghetti, chicken, vegetables, and half of cheeses in bowl.
5. Pour sauce over mixture, toss, and transfer to greased baking dish.
6. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Make ahead: assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
For less spice, use mild tomatoes and less hot sauce.
Freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
