Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a lively, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, tender spaghetti, and a kick of spicy Southern flavors all baked into a cheesy, bubbly casserole. It’s got just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds, balanced with creamy cheese and a touch of tomato sauce.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s straightforward and fills the house with the most inviting smells. The mix of spices and the melty cheese on top always gets everyone in the family excited to sit down and eat together. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making great leftovers!
When I serve this, I like to pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to add a fresh crunch alongside the rich casserole. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a potluck with friends, this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole never disappoints and always leaves people asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Spaghetti works great here because it holds the creamy sauce well. You can swap it for any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but cooked chicken breast or thighs are good too. For a lighter option, try shredded turkey.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These give the casserole its rich, creamy texture. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want less fat, but keep it thick.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This brings the signature Southern spicy kick. If you want less heat, use mild diced tomatoes or no chilies, and add a touch of smoked paprika instead.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella give the perfect melt and flavor. Monterey Jack works well too if you want a milder cheese. Feel free to add pepper jack for more spice.
How Can I Make Sure the Casserole Is Creamy and Not Dry?
To keep your casserole creamy, focus on these key steps:
- Cook pasta just until al dente since it will cook more in the oven and absorb sauce.
- Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and spices really well before adding chicken and pasta to ensure an even sauce.
- Don’t overbake — 25-30 minutes is just enough to melt cheese and heat through without drying out.
- Let it rest 5 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens and sets a bit, making it easier to serve.
Adding a little extra sauce ingredients (like a splash of milk or broth) can also help if you prefer it saucier, but don’t go overboard or it may get runny.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling spaghetti evenly without sticking.
- Colander – to drain the pasta quickly and easily.
- Large mixing bowl – great for combining the creamy sauce and chicken all in one spot.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – roomy enough to bake the spaghetti casserole evenly.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – helps mix ingredients without scratching your bowl or dish.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling hot dishes coming out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier, meatier casserole.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to boost the veggie count and spice level.
- Stir in black olives or chopped green onions on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Try using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra spicy, melty finish.
How to Make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta and Chicken Mixture:
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked breast)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or dried Italian seasoning (for garnish)
- Cooking spray for casserole dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Overall, allow around 50 minutes from start to finish including resting time after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook spaghetti as per package directions until al dente. Drain and put aside.
2. Mix the Creamy Spicy Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and half of the salt. Stir or beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Chicken, Tomatoes, and Cheese:
Mix shredded chicken, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss well until every strand is coated evenly with the sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into the casserole dish. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over this layer. Add the remaining spaghetti and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. If desired, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes and the remaining salt evenly on top.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese melts with some golden brown spots. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or dried Italian seasoning before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and spicy Southern chicken spaghetti casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding and mixing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To reduce heat, use mild diced tomatoes without green chilies and reduce or omit cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. For more spice, add jalapeños or increase cayenne gradually to your taste.
