Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, spicy sauce that warms you up from the inside out. The spice here isn’t overpowering, but just enough to give you a little kick alongside the cheesy, saucy goodness that holds everything together.
I love making this casserole when I want something filling but easy to put together on a weeknight. The best part is how the flavors blend—the chicken soaks up the spices, and the pasta gets coated in that rich sauce. I always find myself sneaking bites before it even makes it to the table!
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the oven, with a crisp green salad on the side to balance out the richness. It’s one of those dishes that instantly feels like home, perfect for sharing with family or friends when you want a meal that’s both comforting and a little exciting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast keeps the dish lean and tender. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. You can also use leftover chicken or turkey.
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works well here, but you could swap it for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your needs.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds a nice spicy kick. If you don’t have this, finely chop jalapeños or use a little hot sauce instead.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar and pepper jack give a nice mix of flavor and meltiness. Mozzarella could be added or swapped in for a milder taste.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These make the sauce creamy and rich. Greek yogurt can be a substitute for sour cream if you want a tangier touch.
How Do I Make Sure the Spaghetti Stays Perfectly Creamy and Doesn’t Dry Out?
The secret is folding the cooked spaghetti gently into the creamy sauce so every strand gets coated. Don’t overmix or mash the pasta.
- Cook spaghetti al dente—it should still have a slight bite; this helps it hold texture after baking.
- Mix the sauce ingredients until smooth before adding the chicken and cheese; this ensures even creaminess.
- Reserve some cheese for topping so it melts on top and forms a golden crust, locking in moisture.
- Bake uncovered just until bubbly and golden; avoid overbaking to keep it moist and creamy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling spaghetti; big enough to prevent sticking.
- Large skillet – perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, and warming chicken together.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and milk smoothly.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – roomy enough for the casserole to bake evenly without spilling.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to gently fold pasta into sauce without breaking noodles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked sausage or ground turkey for a different protein twist that works well with the spices.
- Add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra color and a slight sweetness, balancing the spice.
- Mix in some cooked spinach or kale for a boost of greens and extra nutrients.
- Use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese to vary the cheesy flavor for a creamier or smokier casserole.
How to Make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
Cheese & Dairy:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
Spices & Seasoning:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your taste)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Time Needed to Prepare:
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes from start to finish, including boiling the pasta, mixing the ingredients, and baking until bubbly and golden.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
2. Cook the Aromatics and Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Stir in the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for another 3-5 minutes until it’s hot and the flavors blend well.
3. Mix the Creamy Sauce and Combine Everything:
In a large bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until smooth and creamy. Add the sautéed chicken mixture and the shredded cheeses to this bowl (save some cheddar for topping). Stir everything until it’s well mixed. Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, making sure the noodles are coated evenly without breaking.
4. Bake and Serve:
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and dried parsley evenly over top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top looks bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with a little extra parsley if you like.
This dish is delicious served warm, paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the creamy, spicy comfort of Southern cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method to speed it up. Pat dry before adding to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild diced tomatoes instead of those with green chilies. You can always add a dash of hot sauce at the table if you want more heat.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
