Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of bold, comforting, down-home cooking. It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, sharp cheddar cheese, and warm Southern spices that bring just the right amount of heat. Every forkful delivers that nostalgic casserole comfort with a spicy kick that keeps things exciting.

What makes this dish truly special is how simple and flexible it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just pantry staples, basic seasonings, and a little Southern soul. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is always a hit. It bakes up bubbly, cheesy, and irresistibly golden on top, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds.

This recipe is also incredibly customizable. Like it mild? Dial back the cayenne. Love heat? Turn it up with hot sauce or chili flakes. Want extra creaminess? Add sour cream or cream cheese. Need a make-ahead dinner? This casserole was made for that. No matter how you tweak it, this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole delivers big flavor, satisfying texture, and classic comfort every single time.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Category: Main Course

• Method: Baking

• Cuisine: Southern

• Yield: Serves 8

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Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

There are so many reasons this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

First, it’s pure comfort food. Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and melted cheddar cheese come together in a way that feels warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying. The spices add a Southern twist that elevates it beyond a basic pasta bake.

Second, it’s quick and approachable. With only about 15 minutes of prep, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Third, it’s family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Kids love the cheesy pasta, adults appreciate the spice and depth of flavor, and everyone loves a casserole that serves a crowd.

Fourth, it’s easy to customize. Adjust the spice level, change the cheese blend, add vegetables, or make it extra creamy—this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Finally, it’s perfect for leftovers and meal prep. This casserole reheats well, making it ideal for lunches or stress-free dinners later in the week.

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Ingredients Breakdown (With Tips)

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, tender, and perfect for shredding. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Spaghetti

Classic spaghetti works best because it holds onto the creamy sauce and balances the richness of the cheese and spices. Cook it just to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor and melts beautifully. For even more depth, you can mix in Monterey Jack or Colby-Jack.

Bell Peppers

Chopped bell peppers add sweetness, color, and a subtle crunch that balances the richness of the dish.

Cream of Chicken Soup

This is the backbone of the creamy sauce. It binds everything together and keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.

Spices

Paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder give this dish its signature Southern heat and warmth. Adjust the cayenne to suit your spice tolerance.

Green Onions

Fresh green onions add brightness and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the casserole.

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Ingredients (Scale: 1x | 2x | 3x)

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

• 8 oz spaghetti

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ cup green onions, sliced

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

4. Mix the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, chopped bell peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated and well combined.

5. Assemble

Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

7. Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

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Tips for the Best Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

• Adjust the heat: Reduce cayenne for mild flavor or add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for extra spice.

• Extra creaminess: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese before baking.

• Cheese swap: Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a gooier texture.

• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

• Golden top: For a slightly crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—just watch closely.

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Variations to Try

Mild Southern Chicken Spaghetti

Skip the cayenne and use mild cheddar for a kid-friendly version that’s still comforting and flavorful.

Extra-Spicy Version

Add hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes for serious heat lovers.

Veggie-Loaded Casserole

Mix in sautéed onions, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.

Cream Cheese Chicken Spaghetti

Add 4 oz softened cream cheese for an ultra-rich, creamy casserole.

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Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides:

• Garlic bread or buttery cornbread

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli

• Creamy coleslaw for a cool contrast

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

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Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200 g)

• Calories: 380 kcal

• Sugar: 2 g

• Sodium: 850 mg

• Fat: 18 g

• Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g

• Trans Fat: 0 g

• Carbohydrates: 36 g

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Final Thoughts

This Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is everything comfort food should be—warm, filling, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. It brings together the heartiness of a classic casserole with the bold, welcoming flavors of Southern cooking, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting at the same time.

What truly makes this recipe shine is its versatility. It fits seamlessly into busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, holiday gatherings, and potluck tables alike. You can make it mild or fiery, extra creamy or slightly lighter, packed with veggies or kept simple. No matter how you prepare it, the result is a bubbling, cheesy casserole that brings people together.