Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole You’ll Crave Again
Busy weeknights don’t stand a chance against this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and 100% soul-soothing. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, your hungry husband, or just yourself (hey, leftovers are a win), this casserole wraps comfort and flavor into one bubbly, golden-brown dish.
Now, if you’re anything like me—juggling soccer practices, laundry piles, and the eternal question of “what’s for dinner?”—you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this Southern favorite is.
Let’s grab our casserole dish and get cozy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Full of Flavor, Not Fuss: You’re getting bold Southern spices, melty cheese, and juicy chicken—without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Kid-Tested, Husband-Approved: It’s got just the right amount of heat to make it interesting but not overwhelming (plus, cheese makes everything better).
- Leftovers that Actually Excite: This reheats like a dream, making it a weeknight win and a weekend savior.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down. No fancy ingredients—just real, feel-good food.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (3–4): Cooked until golden, then shredded.
- Spaghetti: The classic, but feel free to swap in rotini or penne for extra texture.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Divided in half. We’re going full melt mode.
- Fresh Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bring both crunch and color.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The shortcut to creamy heaven—no need to whip up a sauce from scratch.
- Spices: Paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder—just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- Green Onions: For that fresh, zippy bite at the end.
Tip: Want exact measurements? Scroll down to the recipe card for all the details.
Step-by-Step: Let’s Make It Together
1. Get Set Up
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish. You don’t want any of that cheesy goodness sticking to the pan!
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or pot, cook your chicken breasts over medium heat—about 6-7 minutes per side until they’re golden and fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then shred or chop.
3. Boil the Pasta
While your chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Mix the Magic
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Cooked spaghetti
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chopped bell peppers
- Spices
- Half the cheddar cheese
Stir until every strand is coated in creamy, cheesy love.
5. Assemble & Bake
Pour the mixture into your greased dish. Top with the remaining cheese (because there’s no such thing as too much cheese). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Finish with Freshness
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped green onions. You’ve officially earned those compliments.
Aneta’s Tips for Chicken Casserole Bliss
- Shred Ahead: Use rotisserie chicken to save time—no one’s judging.
- Cheese Swap: Pepper jack adds an extra kick if you like it hotter.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach or mushrooms if your kids aren’t looking.
True story: I once made this for a potluck, and one mom asked me where I bought it. I took that as a solid compliment (and shared the recipe, of course!).
FAQs About Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini hold onto the sauce beautifully and give the dish a fun texture.
How spicy is it, really?
It’s got a warm Southern kick—think cozy, not flaming. Want it milder? Skip the cayenne. Want it bolder? Add a dash of hot sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat—just add 5 extra minutes if it’s coming from the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Let’s Bring the Heat… and the Comfort
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a dish—it’s that warm hug on a chilly evening, the easy win after a long day, and the star of your next family dinner.
Make it once, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Serve it up with a simple green salad or some garlic butter green beans (my fave pairing!), and you’re golden.
Let’s keep making chicken magic—one cheesy, spicy bite at a time.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you loved the bold, creamy flavor of this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, your taste buds are in for even more magic. Whether you’re craving something smoky, spicy, or low-carb-friendly, these handpicked recipes from the Chicken Magic kitchen are must-tries:
- If you’re still in the mood for something spicy and comforting, don’t miss the ultra-flavorful Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole—it’s cheesy, bold, and made for casserole lovers.
- For a global twist that brings heat and sweet in one bite, try the sizzling Spicy Korean Chicken—perfect when you want to shake things up without leaving the kitchen.
- Watching carbs but still want something hearty? The creamy, meaty Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings all the flavor without the guilt.
- Finally, for a spicy Southern dinner that’s baked to crispy perfection, the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken might just become your next go-to comfort meal.
Each of these recipes pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, a simple side salad, or even just a fork and a smile. Dive in and keep the chicken magic going!
Print
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and kicked up with bold Southern spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd!
Ingredients
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz spaghetti
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup chopped red or yellow bell peppers
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional but highly recommended)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a large casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, cook chicken breasts over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then shred.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Mix the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, bell peppers, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon (if using).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
Swap spaghetti for rotini or penne for a fun texture change.
Rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time.
For a less spicy version, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated easily.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg