Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food dish, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken and a touch of heat. This Southern favorite is hearty, indulgent, and perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners, church gatherings, or potluck suppers. The spaghetti is tossed in a rich sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, cheese, and spices, then baked until bubbly and golden. What sets this version apart is its bold Southern-style spice—just enough heat to make it exciting without overwhelming the creamy, cheesy goodness. Easy to prepare ahead of time and versatile enough to adapt to your family’s tastes, Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting casserole that will quickly earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation.
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Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti – A Comfort Food Classic with a Kick
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich, creamy, and spicy Southern-style baked chicken spaghetti casserole made with cheese, peppers, and a touch of heat for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes with chilies, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly with melted cheese on top.
- Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or increase cayenne pepper.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Casserole, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Spaghetti – The pasta base that carries the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Cooked chicken – Shredded or diced, it provides hearty protein and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and helps bind the casserole.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies – Bring acidity, flavor, and heat to the sauce.
Green bell pepper – Adds crunch and freshness.
Onion – Provides savory depth to balance the richness.
Garlic – Infuses bold flavor and aroma.
Cheddar cheese – Melts into the casserole, giving it sharp, cheesy goodness.
Velveeta or processed cheese – Adds extra creaminess and smooth texture.
Chicken broth – Thins the sauce slightly and deepens flavor.
Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper – Bring the signature spicy Southern kick.
Butter or olive oil – Used for sautéing vegetables.
Salt and black pepper – Balance the flavors of the dish.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain. In a skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and Velveeta. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes or cayenne. Mix until well combined. Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with additional cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. Preparation takes 20 minutes, and baking requires 35 minutes, making the total time about 55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or in the microwave in short intervals. To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Variations and Customizations
Extra spicy – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or more cayenne for added heat.
Milder version – Swap diced tomatoes with chilies for plain diced tomatoes.
Tex-Mex twist – Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a Southwestern flavor.
Creamier version – Stir in sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Veggie-packed – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the mix.
BBQ chicken spaghetti – Replace part of the broth with BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
Cheese lover’s – Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and pepper jack.
Low-carb option – Substitute spaghetti with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
Rotisserie chicken shortcut – Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
One-pot method – Cook everything together in a Dutch oven and bake directly in it.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or linguine also work well.
Do I need to cook the chicken first?
Yes, use cooked chicken—grilled, baked, or rotisserie.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Is Velveeta necessary?
It makes the sauce extra creamy, but you can substitute with cream cheese or more cheddar.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze baked portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
How spicy is this recipe?
Moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.
Conclusion
Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy comfort food and bold, zesty flavor. With its tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and just the right amount of spice, it’s a hearty casserole that pleases both families and guests. Easy to prepare, make ahead, and customize, this dish is as practical as it is delicious. Whether for Sunday supper, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners, this Southern-inspired favorite will always hit the spot.
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