Name: Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti noodles (cooked al dente); 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; ½ cup chopped green bell pepper; ½ cup chopped onion; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice level); Salt and black pepper to taste; Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs; Fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that wraps you in comforting, creamy, and delightfully spicy vibes, you have to try this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big warm hug from the inside out. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and that creamy, cheesy sauce bursting with southern spice and a little kick from cayenne make it utterly irresistible. This casserole is truly a celebration of texture, flavor, and soul-satisfying goodness all baked into one hearty dish you’ll want to dive into again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several small white bowls and one clear bowl are arranged on a white marbled surface. From top left going clockwise, there is shredded chicken with fine texture in a clear bowl, bright red chopped bell peppers in a white bowl, thin yellow shredded cheese in a white bowl, a small white bowl of thin white shredded cheese, laundry string pasta in the upper right corner, small white bowls with white salt, reddish-brown spice, and green dried herbs, and a white bowl filled with thick white sour cream or yogurt. Near the bottom left, there is a white bowl with chunky red tomato sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients right is half the fun and makes all the difference in building this dish’s signature comforting yet spicy profile. Each component brings a special touch, from the creamy base to the layers of cheese and the gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.

Spaghetti noodles (12 oz): Cooked al dente to give a perfect bite without becoming mushy.
Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded): Provides tender protein that soaks up all the creamy, spicy flavors.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The heart of the creaminess that makes this casserole unbelievably rich.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz): Adds moisture, tang, and a gentle heat to keep things interesting.
Sour cream (1 cup): Introduces a tangy smoothness that balances the spices and cheese perfectly.
Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy, gooey goodness.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor elevating every bite.
Green bell pepper (½ cup, chopped): Gives a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
Onion (½ cup, chopped): Sweetens as it sautés, layering in rich, savory notes.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses the dish with its indispensable warm aroma.
Paprika (1 tsp): Offers a smoky flavor that complements the southern roots.
Cayenne pepper (½ tsp, adjust to taste): Delivers the lively spicy kick that defines this casserole.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs: Creates a golden, crispy topping for delightful texture contrast.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a bright, fresh finish that makes the casserole pop.

How to Make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Spaghetti

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your casserole mixture is done. Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted water until they’re perfectly al dente. This bite-resisting texture is key to avoid any sogginess later. Once cooked, drain and set aside—it’s important to give them a little breathing room before mixing with the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, melt some butter and sauté the chopped onions and green bell peppers until they are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step softens their bite and releases their natural sweetness. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and stir it around to toast those flavors and ensure that rich garlicky aroma infuses the vegetables.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

Grab a large bowl and combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything until smooth. Then add salt and black pepper to taste—seasoning at this stage is essential to building layers of flavor. Finally, fold in your sautéed vegetables to seamlessly blend that fresh veggie goodness into the creamy base.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Spaghetti with Sauce

Add the shredded cooked chicken and the cooked spaghetti noodles to the sauce mixture. Gently toss and fold everything together, making sure each strand of spaghetti and every morsel of chicken is luxuriously coated with that creamy, spicy sauce. This balance is what makes the Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Now it’s time for the cheese magic. Stir in half of your shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan right into the mix. This melts and mingles within the casserole, creating that signature cheesy pull that makes this dish feel indulgent yet homey.

Step 6: Transfer and Top

Pour your well-mixed casserole into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan over the top for a beautifully golden crust. Then generously scatter crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese layer. This topping will bake into a crunchy, buttery crust that perfectly contrasts the creamy interior.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling enthusiastically and the top is gloriously golden. This stage not only melds the flavors together but also adds irresistible texture and visual appeal that invites you to dig in.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole rest for about five minutes. This brief wait helps everything settle so every slice holds together beautifully. Then garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh brightness before serving warm.

How to Serve Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular dish with three visible layers is shown, sitting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, red tomato sauce spread evenly across the dish. In the middle, there is a layer of creamy white cheese mixture that contrasts with the red sauce. The top layer is a generous amount of shredded yellow-orange cheese covering the surface, with some spots of the white cheese peeking through. The background is softly blurred to focus on the food, and in the distance, a small glass bowl with a similar yellow-orange shredded cheese is visible. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a delightful color contrast and fresh herby note that elevates the dish right before it hits your plate. Consider a little extra cracked black pepper or a handful of sliced green onions for added zing and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the dish’s richness. Cornbread or buttery dinner rolls also complement the cheesy, spicy flavors perfectly, rounding out a satisfying southern-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family gathering, serve this casserole straight from the baking dish with a large serving spoon, encouraging everyone to dish up their own portions. If you want to impress guests, plate individual servings and add a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick or garnish with pickled jalapeños to highlight the spicy southern vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after sitting, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.

Freezing

This Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to retain the casserole’s baked crispness, or microwave covered until hot. A splash of milk or a few extra cheese shreds on top before heating can revive the creaminess and cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves time without compromising the dish’s deliciousness.

How spicy is this casserole? Can I adjust the heat?

The cayenne pepper adds a moderate spicy kick, but you can easily adjust the amount to your taste or omit it entirely for a milder version without losing flavor.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can make a quick homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk seasoned with chicken broth, or substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a twist in flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and is easy to portion and reheat, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute the crackers or breadcrumbs on top with gluten-free options to keep it safe and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like family on a plate—creamy, spicy, and heartwarmingly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy dinner for yourself, this casserole checks all the boxes. Warm, cheesy, and with just the right amount of southern heat, it’s a winner every time.