Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Introduction

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s bursting with bold southern flavors and feeds a crowd, this Irresistible Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the answer. Combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, zesty spices, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a comforting classic with a spicy kick. This casserole is not just easy to make – it delivers layers of taste and texture that are bound to become a family favorite, ideal for potlucks or cozy weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This recipe stands out thanks to its palate-pleasing blend of southern spices, creamy sauce, and just the right amount of heat. The balance of creamy and spicy, combined with the familiar comfort of casserole, creates a satisfying main dish. It’s big on flavor, minimal on fuss, and customizable to fit any spice preference.

Crafting That Perfect Southern Sauce

The hallmark of southern casseroles is a luscious, cheesy sauce. For authentic flavor, use a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, combined with tangy cream of chicken soup and diced tomatoes with green chilies. A dash of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika gives it that signature Southern heat—adjust more or less depending on how spicy you want your casserole!

How to Assemble Your Spicy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Start by tossing cooked spaghetti with shredded chicken, onions, bell peppers, and your creamy, spicy sauce. Layer everything in a casserole dish and top generously with more cheese. Bake until bubbling and golden—every forkful is packed with melty cheese, tender pasta, and a slow-building, flavorful spice.

Serving Suggestions for a Showstopping Southern Casserole

Garnish your casserole with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions before serving to brighten up the dish. Pair it with a crisp green salad or sautéed greens for a meal that’s both hearty and well balanced. For extra southern flair, serve alongside warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 hearty servings. Each serving typically contains around 450–550 calories, depending on cheeses and additional toppings used. It’s a meal designed for sharing and satisfying hungry appetites.

Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (Recap)

Rich, creamy, and infused with southern spices, this casserole is the perfect comfort food with a spicy twist. Its crowd-pleasing flavors and one-dish simplicity make it an instant hit at any dinner table or gathering.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish.
2. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and optional jalapeños.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This casserole is a fantastic candidate for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to streamline your week: plan when to serve it, generate comprehensive smart shopping lists, and coordinate ingredients across all your meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across your meal plan
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections for faster shopping
• Helps prevent duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Makes weekly meal prep more efficient and stress-free

Pro tip: If you’re prepping multiple recipes with overlapping ingredients—like chicken, cheese, or peppers—schedule your recipes and let CookifyAI tally up ingredient totals, so you buy exactly what you need.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

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Bring a taste of the South to your table with this irresistible, spicy chicken spaghetti casserole—your family will request it again and again!