Name: Chicken Recipes Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil

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Whenever I think about comfort food, this dish comes to mind. This cheesy chicken spaghetti recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The gooey cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly tangled spaghetti come together in a way that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. I grew up eating variations of chicken casserole recipes, and this one has always been a favorite around my table. What I love most about it is how it bridges all the things we crave in spaghetti and chicken recipes. There’s richness from the cheese, heat from the spice, and the familiarity of noodles baked until they’ve soaked up every drop of flavor. It doesn’t just feed you—it lingers in your memory the way only Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes can. It’s that kind of recipe you pull out when you need something reliable, the one you know will never disappoint. If you’ve ever looked for healthy chicken casserole recipes, you’ll be glad to know you can easily tweak this one to suit your needs. I’ve swapped in whole wheat pasta, lighter cheeses, and lean chicken many times, and guess what? It still tastes amazing. That’s the beauty of a Cheesy Chicken Casserole—it’s flexible, forgiving, and, most importantly, it makes people happy.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
4) How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
5) Tips for Making Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
6) Making Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
8) Try these Chicken Recipes next!
9) Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This casserole pulls together tender chicken, creamy soup, melted cheese, and pasta in one dish. It is hearty, filling, and built for sharing at family tables. What makes it stand out is the balance of spice and comfort. You get the cozy vibe of a cheesy casserole with a kick of Southern flavor. It is simple to prepare and makes enough to feed a crowd.

The base recipe uses spaghetti, cooked chicken, and pantry staples. You can adjust the spice level with cayenne or chili powder. It is flexible, so you can swap in vegetables, change the cheese, or try different pasta. Leftovers reheat well, which makes it a smart pick for meal prep. At its core, it is about gathering people and offering them food that feels warm and familiar.

Think of it as one of those chicken recipes you save for nights when you want to cook once and eat twice. It is forgiving, flavorful, and designed for busy home cooks who still want to serve something that feels homemade. You do not need special skills, only a willingness to layer good ingredients and let the oven work its magic.

2) Easy Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Every family seems to have a go-to casserole, and for us, this cheesy chicken spaghetti recipe earns that spot. It is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to land on the table during gatherings. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are familiar. That’s part of its charm: nothing fussy, nothing complicated, just good food.

The flavors come together in a way that reminds me of potluck dinners at church halls where dishes lined the table, each one made with care. The melted cheese stretches with every forkful, and the tender chicken ties it all together. It is not just another Cheesy Chicken Casserole; it is a dish that tells a story of comfort and connection.

Sometimes I think recipes like this prove that cooking is less about perfection and more about creating something people want to gather around. If you love chicken casserole recipes that feel like a hug, this one will win you over. It is warm, slightly spicy, and layered with all the things that make Southern kitchens so inviting.

3) Ingredients for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti: Long strands of pasta that soak up flavor and provide structure. Cook them al dente so they hold up when baked. The pasta acts as the backbone of the dish, supporting the creamy and cheesy elements.

Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken, often from a rotisserie, saves time and adds depth. Its mild flavor carries the seasoning, while its texture blends seamlessly with the noodles and cheese.

Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts into gooey layers. Half stirs into the mixture, and the rest crowns the casserole, forming a golden crust as it bakes.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy binder that ties it all together. It brings richness and a smooth texture that balances the spice of the dish.

Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: A can of tomatoes mixed with chilies adds brightness and gentle heat. It cuts through the richness and gives the casserole its Southern character.

Onion and Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that add sweetness and crunch when sautéed. They provide layers of flavor that make the dish taste fresh and balanced.

Garlic and Spices: Garlic, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne (if you like it hot) round out the flavor profile. They add depth, warmth, and that little kick that makes this casserole memorable.

4) How to Make Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a large baking dish. Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2. In a skillet, warm olive oil. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. Stir often so the vegetables cook evenly.

Step 3. Mix in shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with chilies, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Add chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.

Step 4. Add the cooked spaghetti and most of the shredded cheese. Toss until the pasta is coated and the mixture is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5. Transfer to the baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut neat portions. Serve warm and enjoy the comfort of this Southern favorite.

5) Tips for Making Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Start with quality chicken. Whether you use leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie, tender meat makes a difference. Shred it into bite-sized pieces so it blends with the pasta instead of clumping.

Play with the spice level. If you are cooking for kids, skip the cayenne. If you want more kick, add jalapeños or extra chili powder. The beauty of spaghetti and chicken recipes like this lies in how you can adjust them to your taste.

Do not skimp on cheese. A Cheesy Chicken Casserole depends on that gooey layer. Use cheddar for sharpness, or mix in Monterey Jack for extra melt. Cheese binds the dish and creates that irresistible pull when you lift the fork.

6) Making Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Ahead of Time

This dish works well when made ahead. Prepare the casserole through the mixing step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before placing it in the oven.

If freezing, wrap tightly with foil and store for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it even better the next day.

For busy weeks, this is a lifesaver. It saves time without losing flavor. Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes like this one remind us that planning ahead can feel like a gift to your future self.

7) Storing Leftover Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. The pasta soaks up even more flavor overnight, which makes reheated servings taste richer. Warm portions in the oven or microwave until hot.

If the casserole seems dry after storing, add a splash of chicken broth or a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating. It refreshes the dish and brings back the creamy texture.

Healthy chicken casserole recipes often rely on simple storage tricks like this to stretch meals across the week. This dish is no different. It offers comfort on day one and convenience on day three.

8) Try these Chicken Recipes next!

9) Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole