When it comes to comfort food that brings the family together, nothing beats a bubbling hot casserole straight from the oven. This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole delivers everything you crave in one dish – tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that irresistible cheese pull that makes everyone gather around the table.
Last winter, I was experimenting with ways to add more excitement to our usual chicken and pasta routine when I discovered this game-changing combination. The magic happens when Southern-inspired spices meet creamy cheese sauce, creating layers of flavor that transform simple weeknight ingredients into something truly special. What makes this recipe particularly brilliant is how it balances that gentle heat from cayenne and paprika with the cooling richness of melted cheddar – it’s comfort food with just enough kick to keep things interesting. The best part? It’s incredibly forgiving and comes together in under 50 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
I always recommend using fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor development in this casserole. My go-to approach is selecting high-quality chicken breasts and sharp cheddar cheese, as these two ingredients really make the difference in the final dish.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – I recommend using freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped (any color combination works)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp paprika – My preference is smoked paprika for extra depth
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced – In my experience, the freshness of green onions really brightens the final dish
- Salt and black pepper to taste – I usually season generously throughout the cooking process
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking, as this casserole comes together quickly once you begin the assembly process.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Position oven rack in the center. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder for extra flavor penetration.
Step 2: Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 3: In the same pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions (the pasta will continue cooking in the oven). Drain well and avoid overcooking.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, remaining garlic powder, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving – this helps it set up nicely for clean slicing. Garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
What to Serve with Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with lighter, fresh sides that complement its rich and spicy flavors while adding nutritional balance to your meal.
Protein-Packed Garlic Cream Chicken Skillet: If you love this casserole, you’ll enjoy this complementary chicken dish that brings similar comfort food vibes with a skillet approach.
Simple Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes provides the perfect cooling contrast to the warm spices in the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread is ideal for soaking up any extra cheese sauce and adds that satisfying carb-on-carb comfort we all crave sometimes.
Steamed Broccoli: The mild, slightly bitter notes of broccoli balance the richness of the cheese while adding important vitamins and fiber to round out the meal.
Cornbread: Southern-style cornbread complements the regional flavors in the casserole while adding a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cayenne heat.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making leftovers incredibly delicious.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method maintains the best texture.
This casserole is incredibly versatile – serve it as a standalone dinner for busy weeknights, or portion it alongside salads for a more formal meal. Pro tip: you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Start with just a pinch of cayenne pepper if you’re sensitive to heat, or increase it up to 3/4 teaspoon for more kick. The paprika adds flavor without heat, so you can increase that safely for more smoky flavor.
Can I substitute the chicken for other proteins?
Absolutely! Cooked shrimp, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even seasoned ground turkey work wonderfully. Just ensure any protein you use is fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.
Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Position oven rack in the center. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder.
- Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- In the same pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, remaining garlic powder, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
Conclusion
This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious. With its perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and familiar flavors, it’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The best part is watching your family’s faces light up when you bring this golden, bubbly masterpiece to the table – trust me, you’re going to love making this one!
